Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has refuted claims of a private meeting with Nigeria President Bola Tinubu in Rome concerning an alleged N225 billion debt crisis involving Fidelity Bank, labeling the allegations as “false, malicious, and baseless.”
According to a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Obi accused paid blackmailers of spreading negativity about him, twisting his recent spiritual trip to Rome into a campaign of falsehoods.
The former presidential candidate clarified that he was in Rome on May 9, 2025, for the lying-in-state of the late Pope Francis and the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
He stated that his only interaction with President Tinubu was a brief, respectful greeting during a one-minute encounter at Saint Peter’s Basilica during the papal inauguration Mass, where he was seated behind the president and other dignitaries.
“I have never sought an audience with, nor met, President Tinubu since he assumed office, except for that moment,” Obi emphasized. He added that after the Mass, he traveled directly from Vatican City to London and then back to Nigeria.
Addressing claims that he owns Fidelity Bank, Obi dismissed them as fabrications by a “self-proclaimed blackmailer-in-chief” aiming to distress the bank’s over 500,000 shareholders, none of whom hold a majority stake. He noted that throughout his career, he has served as Chairman or Director of three banks, including Fidelity, but does not own the institution.
Obi, however, condemned those spreading falsehoods, stating, “The biggest business for blackmailers now is talking about Peter Obi from every negative perspective.” He urged them to reflect on their actions, offering a prayer that they find gratitude and understanding, adding, “We came here with nothing and will go with nothing.” Obi reaffirmed his commitment to a better Nigeria, declaring, “A new Nigeria is POssible.”