Just In: Peter Obi responds to leaked audio

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has spoken out about the leaked audio of his conversation with Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide. The audio clip, released by the online newspaper Peoples Gazette, has caused a stir on social media since Saturday. In the audio, Obi was heard pleading with Oyedepo to help him mobilize Christian voters, especially those in the North Central states of Kwara, Kogi, and Niger, stating that the election was a religious war. The former governor of Anambra State repeatedly said, ‘Yes Daddy,” during the conversation.

Obi’s media team gave varying accounts of the leaked conversation while his supporters claimed the audio was doctored. The audio generated numerous reactions, not just on social media. Obi took a brief hiatus from social media platforms after the conversation leaked.

However, the presidential candidate, who has a sizable following on Twitter, returned on Tuesday morning to congratulate the winner of an academic prize. Hours later, he reacted to the audio and the claim of Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, who accused him of treason.

“In the past few days, I have observed various campaigns of calumny directed at my person, with the latest being allegations attributed to the Information Minister, Lai Mohammed from Washington DC,” Obi said.

“It is most unfortunate that these consistent efforts to portray me quite contrary to what I am, and my core values, are coming from such high quarters. Minister Lai accusing me of stoking insurrection is totally malicious and fictitious. I have never discussed or encouraged anyone to undermine the Nigerian state; I have never sponsored or preached any action against the Nigerian state. Those initiating these actions have increasingly used their official positions and agents to make false allegations against me.”

Obi’s comments come as political tensions continue to rise in Nigeria, with presidential candidates and their supporters jostling for positions ahead of the 2023 elections. The leaked audio has added fuel to the fire, with some commentators suggesting it is evidence of attempts to use religion to sway voters.

Observers say the leaked audio has opened up a fresh round of political attacks on Obi, who has been a vocal critic of the government. The Labour Party candidate has been a target of political propaganda and misinformation since he declared his intention to run for president.

Despite these attacks, Obi remains one of the most popular presidential candidates, with a strong following among young people and the working class. His campaign has focused on issues such as job creation, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

The leaked audio is likely to be a major talking point in the coming weeks as the election campaign heats up. With tensions running high and accusations flying back and forth, the presidential race looks set to be one of the most closely contested in Nigeria's history.