Peter Obi Dismisses Coup Allegation As Dangerous And Reckless
PETER Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has strongly condemned recent claims accusing him of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu, calling the allegation “a dangerous joke taken too far.”
Obi’s media aide, Valentine Obienyem, issued a statement on Thursday, July 31, 2025, in response to a petition reportedly filed by one Arabambi. The petition alleges that Obi, along with Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero, Senator Victor Umeh, and members of the Nenadi Usman faction, is involved in a plot to overthrow the current administration.
Obienyem described the allegation as “reckless, seditious, and absurd,” emphasizing that in any functioning democracy, the accuser would be arrested and thoroughly interrogated to substantiate such serious claims.
“This is not just absurd—it’s dangerous,” the statement read. “Coup plotting is a grave national security matter, not something to be thrown around carelessly. If the accuser has any credible evidence, security agencies must act. If not, he should be held accountable for spreading such a harmful falsehood.”
Obienyem criticized the politicization of national security issues, warning that careless accusations of treason can inflame public tension and destabilize the country.
“A coup is not a political insult—it’s treason. To make such accusations without evidence is not politics; it’s dangerous propaganda. Nigeria deserves better than this,” he added.
The Labour Party has urged authorities to treat the allegation with the seriousness it warrants—either by launching a credible investigation or prosecuting the accuser for misinformation.
