Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has firmly denied allegations of a clandestine meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Rome concerning a ₦225 billion debt judgment involving Fidelity Bank.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Obi dismissed the claims as baseless fabrications by “blackmail merchants” intent on tarnishing his reputation. He clarified that his interaction with President Tinubu was limited to a brief greeting during the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV at Saint Peter’s Basilica, where he was seated behind the President.
Obi emphasized that he has not sought or held any private meetings with President Tinubu since the latter assumed office. He also refuted assertions of ownership in Fidelity Bank, stating that while he has served as a chairman or director in three financial institutions, Fidelity Bank is not among them.
The controversy arose following reports that Fidelity Bank faced insolvency due to a Supreme Court judgment mandating the payment of ₦225 billion in damages to a Nigerian firm. Fidelity Bank clarified that the case originated from the legacy operations of FSB International Bank, which it had acquired. The bank has petitioned the Supreme Court for clarification on the judgment’s interpretation and the accurate computation of the payable amount.
Obi condemned the spread of misinformation and urged the public to disregard the unfounded allegations. He reiterated his commitment to transparency and integrity in his political and personal endeavors
