Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has issued a strong rebuttal against what he describes as a coordinated blackmail campaign targeting him with false allegations regarding his recent trip to Rome.

In a statement released on his social media platforms, Obi denied claims that he traveled to Rome to hold a private meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu concerning an alleged ₦225 billion debt crisis involving Fidelity Bank.

"Let me categorically state that I have never sought an audience with, nor met, President Tinubu since he assumed office," Obi clarified, explaining that their only interaction was a brief one-minute greeting at Saint Peter's Basilica during Pope Leo XIV's inauguration Mass.

Obi detailed that he had previously visited Rome on May 9th for Pope Francis's lying in state, and immediately after the Mass and exchanging pleasantries, he departed Vatican City for London before returning to Nigeria.

Fidelity Bank Ownership Claims

The former Anambra State governor also addressed allegations regarding his relationship with Fidelity Bank, firmly stating: "For the record, I do not [own Fidelity Bank]."

He clarified that throughout his career, he has served as Chairman/Director of three banks/financial institutions, with Fidelity being one of them. Obi emphasized that Fidelity Bank has over 500,000 shareholders, none of whom hold a majority stake.

"What this blackmailer seeks is to harm these hard-working Nigerians and cause them needless distress," Obi stated, expressing concern for the bank's numerous shareholders.

In his concluding remarks, Obi offered a prayer for those spreading what he termed as falsehoods: "May God grant you the virtues of gratitude and understanding to know that we came here with nothing and will go with nothing, that they cannot profit from their evil ways."