LAGOS, Nigeria – Oseloka Obi, son of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has condemned what he described as persistent online attacks and false narratives targeting him, calling them “distractions” from Nigeria’s pressing national challenges.
In an open letter to Nigerians on Thursday, Oseloka said he had long ignored “vitriol, scorn, and suspicion” directed at him but decided to respond after what he termed “malicious fabrications” continued to circulate online.
“Because of my father’s involvement in Nigerian politics, there has been a persistent curiosity — and, at times, malicious obsession — with me,” he wrote. “I have no social media presence and no interest in maintaining one, so I rarely correct these falsehoods. But perhaps it is time I address them.”
Rejects Politicisation of His Private Life
Oseloka stressed that he is not a politician and warned against attempts to politicise his personal choices.
“To assume that my life or choices are somehow political statements is a flawed and childish calculation. It reveals more about the pettiness of those spreading such narratives than it does about me or my father,” he said.
Clarifies Career Path, Denies Nepotism
The actor and filmmaker explained that despite his father’s business and economic background, he deliberately pursued a different career in theatre and film. He dismissed insinuations of nepotism, declaring:
“I was raised to know that my father’s wealth is not mine, and that I must build my own life.”
Calls Gossip a Distraction from National Issues
Oseloka criticised those circulating doctored photos and false claims about him, describing them as gossip that diverts attention from Nigeria’s critical challenges.
“Our nation still struggles with insecurity, a weakened economy, crumbling infrastructure, failing healthcare, and politicians who steal from the people they swore to serve. And yet, for some, the priority is to spread gossip about who Peter Obi’s son appears with in a photo,” he lamented.
Pledges Support for Peter Obi
He concluded by affirming his support for his father’s presidential ambition, saying:
“My father has my vote, not because he is my father, but because he is the right man for the job. If others wish to go low, invent scandals, or attack me to wound him, they are free to do so. But we will go high, and we will continue to focus on the future of Nigeria.”
Discussion about this post