Peter Obi Clears the Air on Alleged Ties to Late General Abacha
Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has set the record straight regarding claims that he worked with the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha.
Taking to X on Wednesday, Obi shared a copy of an official letter from 1996, which showed his appointment to a federal task force on port decongestion. The move was meant to counter narratives that linked him directly to Abacha’s controversial regime.
For context, Abacha ruled Nigeria from 1993 until his sudden death in 1998—a period marked by repression, financial mismanagement, and widespread human rights abuses. Over the years, some have accused Obi of having collaborated with that government.
But Obi insists that simply wasn’t the case.
“I’ve always stood by what I’m part of, and for the sake of truth—and those genuinely interested in it—I’m sharing this document,” Obi wrote. He emphasized that he never met Abacha personally, apart from the instance involving his appointment to the task force.
Our Engagement with General Abacha: Setting the Record Straight
In consonance with my established principles of defending everything I am involved in, and in the interest of all men and women of goodwill, especially those committed to the pursuit of truth, I hereby attach the… pic.twitter.com/idz1syyrYn
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) July 9, 2025
He clarified that his role wasn’t political, but rather civic and economic—focused solely on addressing the serious inefficiencies within Nigeria’s port system at the time. The group’s mission, he explained, was to improve logistics and create better outcomes for Nigerian businesses, not to serve any political agenda.
Obi also acknowledged that some critics may continue to push false narratives, regardless of the facts. Still, he said he felt it was important to put the information out publicly—as a matter of principle and commitment to transparency.
“This isn’t about silencing anyone. It’s about making sure the truth is out there—for today and for the record,” he said.
While he doesn’t expect the document to end the speculation, Obi made it clear that transparency remains his north star—no matter how uncomfortable the topic.
