Peter Obi Opens Up On Alleged N2 Billion Mobilization Gift To Churches

The Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has denied donating N2 billion to the Christian Association of Nigeria to mobilize support for his presidential bid.

Naija News recalls that a report emerged claiming one Frank Onwumere alleged the money which the former governor of Anambra State gave to religious leaders to help mobilize and convince their congregation to vote massively for his candidacy can no longer be traced.

He was alleged to have said that it was diverted by mega-churches and popular pastors and leaders already receiving the presidential candidate across the length and breadth of Nigeria without due consideration to other churches that have not received their part of the funds.

However, Onwumere, in a statement to journalists on Sunday, said he never authored such a petition and did not authorize anyone to do so on his behalf.

He also disassociated himself from Dominion Centre International, stating he has never had any relationship with the organization.

Obi Speaks

Peter Obi, during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Monday, said he would drop from the presidential race if anyone can provide evidence that he gave money to CAN.

The LP flagbearer added that he cannot give money to people who are supposed to be praying for good governance or supporting his campaign.

He said: “What I’m I giving them N2bn for? They are clergy. What do they need the money for? Everybody knows me and the church. I believe that the clergy also have a problem. Their followers are suffering, they need good governance. Why will I give them money. They should give me money to be able to support me for me to be able to run around for my campaign. Because my going around for campaign, I have to go around. I have to pay for transport. If anything, the clergy I expect them to give me money not the other way round.

“I have never knowingly gone to any clergy and I can comfortably tell you that I have never given any clergy or even N1 to CAN and if anybody can trace N1 given to CAN by Peter Obi, I will stop running. I can’t. I can’t give money to people who are supposed to be praying. For what?

“They should be the ones to do that because their job is very simple- they need to pray for a better governed Nigeria. They need to pray for a new Nigeria.“