Politics

Students Accuse Peter Obi of Lying, Ban Him from Campuses

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 23rd, 2025.

Students Accuse Peter Obi of Lying, Ban Him from Campuses

Peter Obi

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has announced a nationwide ban on visits by Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to polytechnic campuses across Nigeria. The decision follows Obi’s refusal to retract a controversial statement regarding student elections at Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, NAPS President, Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, accused Obi of spreading unverified and misleading information about a recent student union election at the institution.

According to Oghayan, Obi had previously shared a viral statement claiming that students were violently attacked during the election, with reports of fatalities and injuries. Obi reportedly said, “I watched a heartbreaking video that showed students in Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State running for their lives as they were being shot at during their student election yesterday, which left two students dead and several injured.”

However, Oghayan asserted that the account given by Obi was false and lacked verification. He added that Obi not only failed to confirm the facts before making his claims but also drew parallels between student conduct and corrupt political practices—suggesting that unrest among students was influenced by the behavior of political elites.

“We made an official appeal for a retraction and public apology to the students of Auchi Polytechnic, but Mr. Obi has remained silent,” Oghayan stated. “This is deeply troubling, especially from someone who built his image around integrity and the mantra ‘go and verify.’”

Addressing Obi’s claim that he was prevented from entering Edo State by Governor Monday Okpebholo, Oghayan clarified that the governor’s actions were motivated by security concerns, not political hostility. He explained that requiring security clearance for high-profile visits is standard procedure and meant to protect both the visitor and the public.

“When influential figures like Mr. Obi visit a state, they draw large crowds—and with that comes the potential for unrest. Coordinating with security agencies isn’t suppression; it’s a necessity,” he said. “In fact, reports show that three people died following his last visit to the state, which highlights the risks involved.”

Oghayan acknowledged Obi’s donation of ₦15 million to St. Philomena’s Catholic Hospital, commending the gesture but questioning the consistency with his past stance. “This is the same man who once declared ‘I don’t give shishi.’ Is this evidence of personal growth or just a contradiction?” he asked.

He further emphasized that public donations to sensitive institutions like hospitals and churches must be handled carefully and in consultation with relevant authorities to avoid making them targets of violence.

With no apology forthcoming and no effort to correct the narrative, NAPS said it had no choice but to take action.

“In line with our responsibility to protect the integrity and safety of the student community, we are declaring Mr. Peter Obi persona non grata on all polytechnic campuses nationwide,” Oghayan announced. “He is to maintain a minimum distance of 10 kilometers from any student community.”

He stressed that the move was not driven by vengeance but by a call for accountability. “Leadership must be built on truth and responsibility. If a leader cannot uphold these values, then their influence becomes harmful,” Oghayan concluded.