A major political storm has erupted as the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, took centre stage in the ongoing controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s alleged identity crisis. Obi’s call for transparency on President Tinubu’s identity has set the stage for a heated debate in the political arena, prompting a swift and robust response from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a strongly worded world press conference, Peter Obi voiced his concerns about the prolonged identity crisis and the controversy surrounding Tinubu’s academic credentials from Chicago State University. Obi did not mince words when he said, “I have had the unwholesome burden of responding to embarrassing questions about Nigeria’s overall credibility as a nation to privileged audiences and individuals both at home and abroad.”
Obi’s comments resonated with a certain section of the public, as he questioned the potential damage to Nigeria’s international image due to the ongoing identity controversy. He emphasised that uninformed outsiders were now viewing every Nigerian as a potential fraudster, forger, or identity thief, which he believed could have been avoided. Obi called on President Tinubu to perform a straightforward and urgent task to dispel lingering doubts, saying, “He should re-introduce himself to the nation he governs and to the world for the avoidance of further doubt.”
However, in a rapid and vigorous response, the APC dismissed Obi’s claims as politically motivated and orchestrated by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. Felix Morka, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, accused Obi of echoing Atiku’s narrative and attempting to create a false identity crisis for Tinubu. Morka emphatically stated, “President Tinubu does not need a reintroduction because he does not have any identity problem, except the one contrived by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi.”
Morka further criticised Obi’s press conference, describing it as a pitiful attempt to perpetuate a campaign of calumny against Tinubu. He remarked, “Unwilling to miss out in the campaign of calumny over Tinubu’s Chicago State University certificate, Obi jumped on the tailboard of Atiku’s bandwagon to satisfy his insatiable thirst for cheap media attention.”
The APC spokesperson defended Tinubu’s reputation, highlighting his extensive track record as a former auditor and treasurer of Mobil Nigeria, a senator, and a former governor of Lagos State. Morka emphasised that Nigerians are aware of Tinubu’s accomplishments and voted for him with confidence in the last presidential election. Morka stressed, “Nigerians know President Tinubu as a thoroughbred professional and former auditor and treasurer of Mobil Nigeria, now ExxonMobil.”
Addressing the allegations about Tinubu’s academic records, Morka stated that the facts are clear and settled. He referenced the unequivocal statements from Chicago State University, including a deposition under oath by the Registrar, Caleb Westberg, confirming Tinubu’s attendance and graduation with honours. Morka condemned what he called the contemptuous conduct of Atiku and Obi, accusing them of attempting to influence the judiciary and incite the public.
The APC concluded by asserting that the presidency is filled by the people through lawful votes at the polls, not by intimidation or baseless allegations. They hinted at possible legal action against Obi and Atiku for what they deemed contemptuous conduct.
As the political drama unfolds, the nation watches closely, awaiting any potential legal developments and the resolution of the identity crisis controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu.
