The media office of Peter Obi has dismissed recurring allegations that he targeted Northerners during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, describing the claims as malicious distortions intended to create ethnic and regional divisions.

In a statement issued on May 24, spokesperson Ibrahim Umar said the allegations that Obi “repatriated” Northerners or specifically targeted Northern traders and beggars were entirely false and designed to undermine his political reputation.

The statement maintained that during Obi’s administration, a social welfare programme existed to support vulnerable persons, including destitute individuals and unaccompanied minors from different parts of the country who faced difficult conditions in cities such as Awka and Onitsha. According to the media office, the initiative was a humanitarian intervention and not an exercise targeted at any ethnic group.

The office further argued that Obi maintained cordial relations with Northern and Muslim communities in Anambra throughout his eight years in office. It stated that during periods of ethno-religious tension across Nigeria, his administration worked to protect Northern communities, particularly residents of the Onitsha Hausa Quarter, also known as Ama Awusa, from retaliatory attacks.

The statement also claimed that the Obi administration supported Muslim residents in the state through sponsorship for pilgrimages to Mecca and ensured equal treatment irrespective of religious affiliation. It added that Northern traders and livestock merchants operating in areas such as Amansea enjoyed a secure environment free from government-sponsored harassment.

According to the media office, members of Hausa and Fulani communities in Onitsha and Awka could verify these claims.

The statement linked the recurring allegations to what it described as attempts to weaken Obi’s relationship with Northern Nigerians and undermine his vision for the region’s economic development. It said Obi has consistently advocated for harnessing Northern Nigeria’s agricultural potential as part of efforts to transform the country from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based one.

The media office argued that Obi views Northern Nigeria as central to the country’s economic future and accused critics of engaging in politically motivated campaigns aimed at distorting that position.

It concluded by insisting that repeated false narratives would not overshadow Obi’s long-term vision for national development and unity.