Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, said he is focused on “constructive dialogue” towards building a united Nigeria and not interested in divisive ethnic politics, dismissing criticisms that he is inciting Igbo against President Bola Tinubu’s government. 

In a statement circulated on his social media pages on Thursday, Mr Obi responded to criticisms by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who accused him of inciting ignorant Igbo against Mr Tinubu’s government. 

He stated, “My focus is on fostering constructive dialogue and inclusivity, rather than engaging in divisive politics, Claims of incitement are baseless distractions. I have always advocated unity and advancement, refusing to partake in reactionary divisive politics.

“I refuse to be reduced to the level of those who wallow in ethnic politics. Worse still, I have never and can never descend so low as to base my political aspirations on any sectional or ethnic interest.”

The former Anambra governor also said there were no comparisons between the demolition he did when he was governor and what the Tinubu-led government was currently doing.

Mr Obi’s statement came less than 24 hours after the ministry of works organised an event to compensate owners of buildings demolition for the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project.

At the event on Wednesday, Mr Umahi accused Mr Obi of demolishing property without compensating those affected, adding that the former Anambra governor was inciting South Easterners against the government. 

“When His Excellency Peter Obi was the governor. He made a statement saying, “Any infrastructure that stands in the way of the road must go. And there would be no compensation paid.” That’s what he said,” Mr Umahi said. 

“And I think he’s inciting some of the South-East people that are not well informed. He is inciting them. And gets them into trouble,” he added.