Peter Obi Not Against North, Never Expelled Northerners as Anambra Governor — Media Office

The Media Office of Peter Obi has rejected allegations suggesting that the former Anambra State governor is hostile to people from Northern Nigeria or that he ordered the expulsion of Northern traders and beggars during his administration.

In a statement signed by spokesperson Ibrahim Umar, the office described the claims as “false, unfounded, and politically motivated,” insisting they are part of efforts by opponents to distort Obi’s record in office.

The statement said there was no record of any expulsion or ethnic cleansing during Obi’s eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra State.

According to the media office, Obi maintained cordial relationships with Northern and Muslim communities throughout his administration and implemented inclusive social welfare policies that supported vulnerable persons from different parts of the country.

It explained that what has been misrepresented as “expulsion” was in fact a social rehabilitation programme aimed at assisting destitute individuals, including children and homeless persons, who were found in cities such as Awka and Onitsha.

“There was never any kind of ‘expulsion’ or ethnic cleansing; rather, there was a well-organised social rehabilitation programme that helped people from all over the country,” the statement said.

The office further argued that Obi’s governance approach focused on fiscal discipline, development, and peaceful coexistence across ethnic and religious lines.

It added that during periods of national tension, Obi worked to prevent reprisal attacks and maintained stability, particularly in communities with diverse populations, including the Onitsha Hausa community.

The statement also accused political opponents of reviving old narratives to create ethnic divisions ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that Obi’s record reflects unity and inclusiveness rather than exclusion.

According to the media office, documented accounts of his time in office show consistent engagement with Northern communities and efforts to protect residents regardless of their origin or faith.