Obi has visited Plateau severally after 2023 polls, media office replies Dalung

Obi has visited Plateau severally after 2023 polls, media office replies Dalung

Peter Obi’s Media Office has dismissed claims by former Minister of Sports Development and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Solomon Dalung, that the former Labour Party presidential candidate had not visited Plateau State since the 2023 general elections.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, the office described Dalung’s remarks as inaccurate, insisting that Obi had made several trips to Plateau since the election and had even spent nights in the state on two occasions.

The statement was issued in response to Dalung’s claim that Obi, now the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), had failed to return to Plateau after receiving significant support from the state during the 2023 presidential election.

Rejecting the allegation, the media office said, “Peter Obi’s Media Office wishes to clearly reject a statement made by former Minister of Sports Development and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Solomon Dalung.”

It added, “Dalung claimed that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has not visited Plateau State since the end of the 2023 general elections. He implied that Obi’s support from the state’s people in 2023 was followed by his absence until the next election cycle.”

The office, however, maintained that “Dalung’s claim is factually wrong.”

According to the statement, Obi has “made several visits to Plateau State since 2023 and has spent nights there on two occasions.”

It noted that the visits attracted widespread attention and were motivated by political, humanitarian and strategic considerations rather than electoral interests.

“While some see these visits as a sign of particular affection for the state, Obi’s ongoing presence, especially in places like Bokkos, Mangu, Bassa, and Barkin Ladi, is reportedly driven by important political, humanitarian, and strategic reasons,” the statement said.

The media office also highlighted Obi’s interventions following recurring communal violence and insecurity in Plateau communities.

It said the former Anambra State governor had personally visited victims of attacks and internally displaced persons to offer support.

“In response to ongoing communal violence and security issues, Obi has personally visited affected communities to offer condolences to victims and displaced persons. He has visited internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Mangu and Bokkos multiple times, providing financial support, clean water programmes, and relief supplies directly to affected families,” the media office said.

The statement further recalled that Obi marked his 62nd birthday in July 2023 with displaced persons in Mangu Local Government Area instead of holding a celebration.

“Notably, in a show of solidarity, Obi celebrated his 62nd birthday in July 2023 by spending time with displaced communities in Mangu Local Government Area, foregoing formal celebrations,” it said.

The media office also pointed to Obi’s engagement with traditional institutions and government officials in Plateau, saying such interactions underscored his commitment to the North Central region.

“The Media Office also highlights Obi’s active engagement with traditional rulers, including the Gbong Gwom Jos, and state officials, emphasising his political influence in the North Central region,” the statement said.

It added that Obi’s presence in Plateau “goes beyond routine political activities; it combines humanitarian efforts, direct interaction with his political support base, and a platform to draw attention to security challenges.”