A Nigerian police officer has sparked controversy after making a series of claims about former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the possibility of an Igbo person becoming president of Nigeria.
In a video circulating on social media, the officer is heard allegedly saying that “Igbo can never become president” and that Obi would not be allowed to occupy the presidency even if he won an election.
The officer also reportedly questioned Obi’s political standing in comparison with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu, suggesting that Obi was not at the same political level as the two politicians.
Peter Obi can never become president. No way,” the officer allegedly said.
He further claimed that votes Obi received from the South-East would not be sufficient to make him president, while making references to the political realities surrounding an Igbo presidential bid.
The most controversial part of the alleged remarks was the claim that even if Obi won, money could be used to prevent him from entering Aso Rock, although the context and authenticity of that portion of the video could not be independently established from the sources reviewed.
The officer also made disparaging references to some young people, including allegations involving internet fraud, while discussing Obi and his supporters.
The remarks have generated reactions online, particularly because the speaker appears to be a police officer. The identity, rank and current posting of the officer could not be independently verified from reliable sources at the time of publication.
Obi finished third in the 2023 presidential election according to the officially declared results, behind Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar. His 2023 campaign attracted significant support in the South-East and among younger voters in other parts of the country.
