Former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has firmly denied allegations of working with the late Nigerian military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, clarifying that he neither knew nor met the former dictator.
Obi addressed the controversy during an appearance on Sunday Politics, a Channels Television program, following recent claims by Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide, who alleged that Obi had ties to the Abacha regime.
“I never met Abacha. I didn’t know him. Everything I have done in my life is in the public domain,” Obi declared, refuting the allegations.
Only Business-Related Interaction
Obi explained that his only involvement during the Abacha era was strictly professional and centered on a port congestion crisis that was affecting Nigerian businesses in the 1990s.
“At the time, the government announced all ports were closed, which led to serious congestion. Goods weren’t being cleared or exported, and it was hurting our economy,” he said.
In response, a group of business leaders — including Obi — sought a meeting with the then Minister of Finance. Their request was granted, and the delegation was also allowed to briefly meet Abacha to discuss the economic impact of the port gridlock.
“The president instructed the Finance Minister to involve some of us in forming a committee to help decongest the ports. That was it. After two or three weeks, they dissolved the committee,” he explained.
Clarifying Misconceptions
Obi further noted that his name might have come up in government circles at the time due to his outspoken criticism of inefficiencies in the port system, including his well-documented stance on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
“I’ve said it before—Nigeria’s Port Authority is the only one I know that has offices outside its country of operation,” he remarked.
Despite that brief involvement in an economic committee, Obi emphasized that he was never a part of the Abacha regime, nor did he hold any political appointment under the military government.
Background
General Sani Abacha ruled Nigeria with an iron fist from 1993 until he died in 1998, and his administration is widely remembered for human rights abuses, corruption, and political repression.
Peter Obi, known for his technocratic style and economic focus, has repeatedly positioned himself as a reformist figure with no ties to Nigeria’s military past. This stance distinguishes him in today’s political landscape.
