LAGOS, NG — July 9, 2025 | IDNN Investigations Desk
Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has released official documents detailing his involvement in a task force under the late General Sani Abacha’s military regime, stating categorically that he never had any political ties to the dictator.
Obi’s move comes amid growing social media speculation, triggered by political commentators like Reno Omokri, who alleged that Obi collaborated with the Abacha government through business activities at Tincan Island Port.
In a detailed public statement released Wednesday, Obi attached letters and records from the 1990s confirming that he, along with other importers and business leaders, was co-opted into a national taskforce to decongest Nigerian ports — particularly Lagos’ Tincan and Apapa terminals.
“As I stated during my recent interview and have maintained consistently, I had never met General Sani Abacha before that encounter,” Obi said.
“We approached him not as political actors, but as concerned citizens and business stakeholders seeking solutions to the chaos at our ports.”
Obi clarified that his interaction with the military leader was purely transactional and civic, aimed at solving economic bottlenecks affecting traders and the national supply chain.
He emphasized:
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He was not appointed by the Abacha government in any political capacity.
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The port taskforce role was voluntary, with no official portfolio or remuneration.
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His engagement was limited to a brief period and driven by collective advocacy from Nigeria’s business community.
“Our intention was clear: to advocate for efficiency and propose practical steps to restore normalcy to Nigeria’s key economic gateways,” Obi said.
Transparency and Civic Duty
Obi’s statement reiterates his longstanding personal brand — anchored in transparency, service, and reform-oriented leadership. He noted that while the claims may not vanish, the release of evidence serves both posterity and public accountability.
“I don’t expect this copious evidence to bury the mischief,” he said, “but it is being placed in the public domain as part of my pledge to always explain every issue I am involved in.”
Obi insisted that his principles of governance and civic engagement have remained consistent for decades — grounded in reform, not patronage.
Political Undertones and Online Backlash
The timing of the renewed Abacha-era accusations has fueled speculation of a targeted smear campaign, especially as Obi’s influence continues to grow within the new opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
While he did not mention Omokri by name in his statement, observers say the release was a direct rebuttal to the former presidential aide’s online campaign.
Social media platforms have also seen a surge of commentary — with supporters praising Obi’s openness, while critics call for deeper scrutiny of all politicians involved in past military governments.
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