Peter Obi Dismisses Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu as “Reckless and Dangerous”

By Ridwan Adeola
Saturday, August 2, 2025 – 7:50 AM | Abuja

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has strongly denied claims that he is involved in a plan to topple President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government through a mass protest or military action. In a statement issued by his media adviser, Valentine Obienyem, Obi described the allegations as “a ridiculous and dangerous fabrication” aimed at stirring political tension and misleading the public.

The accusations, allegedly made by a former Labour Party chieftain, Abayomi Arabambi, claim that Obi, along with Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero, Senator Victor Umeh, and other figures within the party, are involved in efforts to incite public unrest that could destabilize the federal government.

Obienyem dismissed the claims as baseless, warning that such statements risk triggering unnecessary panic and undermining national security.

“It is alarming to see someone casually accusing respected individuals of plotting a coup. Such claims, without evidence, are not only misleading but also seditious,” he said in the statement released on Obi’s verified social media pages.

The statement followed earlier comments from Mrs. Ken Asogwa, spokesperson to the interim national chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, who stated that the party leadership had come under pressure from security agencies based on what she called a “malicious and fake petition.”

According to Asogwa, Arabambi falsely presented himself as the party’s spokesperson and made serious claims without credible backing. Obienyem added that coup-related accusations should never be treated lightly in a democratic society.

“Accusing anyone of involvement in a coup without proof is not politics—it is dangerous propaganda. It creates fear, distorts public perception, and could incite unrest,” he said.

“If there is any truth to these claims, security agencies should present evidence and carry out lawful investigations. Otherwise, those behind these falsehoods should be held accountable.”

The controversy comes as political activity begins to build momentum ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Obi, who remains a significant figure in the opposition, has continued to draw attention in the national conversation regarding electoral reforms and economic governance. In a separate commentary, Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, opined that Peter Obi, if paired with a strong northern political figure, could mount a serious challenge to President Tinubu in the next presidential election.

Amidst speculation and political maneuvering, Obi’s team is urging Nigerians to stay focused on democratic processes and to reject divisive tactics.

“Nigeria cannot afford to normalize the use of false accusations for political advantage. We must defend our democracy by demanding truth, accountability, and respect for the rule of law,” Obienyem concluded.

As of press time, no official statement has been issued by federal authorities in response to Arabambi’s allegations.