Oluwaseye Ogunsanya
Claim
An exclusive report by Western Post claimed that Peter Obi may step down for Atiku.
Verdict
The report is false. Peter Obi is not stepping down for Atiku.
Full text
An exclusive report by Western Post, an online based news platform, claimed that Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi may step down for Atiku Abubakar.
According to the report which was also posted by APC’s campaign spokesperson, Festus Keyamo on his Twitter handle here, key officers of Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council met on Monday at a top hotel in Abuja to review the state of their campaign so far and the prospect of Peter Obi, due to the emerging realities and lack of ground enthusiasm to Obi from his campaign stops in the North, South-West and South-South.
We told them that they were taking them to an unknown destination 👇👇👇
EXCLUSIVE: Peter Obi may step down for Atiku, as campaign council considers option https://t.co/fiMS2D8gvu
— Festus Keyamo, SAN (@fkeyamo) January 24, 2023
The report also revealed that a top source who is privy to the arrangement told the news platform that apart from the reality of winning the election hitting home, there is serious in-fighting in Obi’s camp where many of the vocal campaign officials are all jostling for relevance and protecting their territories.
“Peter Obi and his people are planning to align with Atiku in the coming election.
Key officers of Peter Obi’s team met yesterday in Abuja. They were analysing Atiku’s chances. There is some realization in the Obi camp that they can’t win and want to align…” the source said in part.
Verification
Checks by FactCheckElections reveal that this news has been debunked by the Special Adviser to Peter Obi on Technology and Strategic Alliances and a 2021 Anambra Governorship Candidate Valentine Ozigbo here.
According to a statement issued to the press on Tuesday, January 24, 2022, Ozigbo, who was also mentioned in the exclusive report described it as false and aimed at derailing the massive momentum of Obidients across Nigeria and worldwide, who are rooting for a Peter Obi Presidency.
“The claims reported on a faceless online medium are completely false and without any basis. The Labour Party is fully committed to supporting its presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, and his vision for leading Nigeria out of its current travails.
“We firmly believe that Peter Obi is the best candidate for the presidency, with a track record of solid leadership, and a clear plan for addressing the significant challenges facing our country.” The statement reads in part.
Conclusion
FactCheckElections can conclude that the exclusive report by Western Post is false. According to Valentine Ozigbo, Peter Obi is not stepping down for Atiku.