Peter Obi Denies Secret Rome Meeting with Tinubu Over Fidelity Bank Controversy

Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has denied rumours that he travelled to Rome to meet President Bola Tinubu over an alleged ₦225 billion debt involving Fidelity Bank.

Obi, who also served as the former governor of Anambra State, released a statement on Thursday addressing the allegations, calling them completely false and designed to damage his reputation.

“Some people seem to make a business out of spreading false stories about me,” he said. “Even my personal spiritual journey to Rome is now being twisted into lies meant to mislead Nigerians.”

According to reports in certain media outlets, Obi allegedly met Tinubu in secret during a trip to Rome to ask for help regarding a financial scandal linked to Fidelity Bank. The rumour is based on Obi’s past role as a board member of the bank.

But in his statement, Peter Obi denied ever arranging a private meeting with President Tinubu, especially over any financial issue. He explained that the only time he saw the President in Rome was at a public event—the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV—where both leaders were among many dignitaries.

“Since President Tinubu assumed office, I have never asked to see him or spoken with him privately. The only time I came across him was during the Papal Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, where I was seated close to him along with other respected guests,” Obi clarified.

The former governor also used the opportunity to correct assumptions about his link to Fidelity Bank. He made it clear that he does not own the bank.

“Some blackmailers continue to claim I own Fidelity Bank. I don’t. I have served on the board of Fidelity and two other banks in the past, but that does not mean I own any of them,” he stated.

READ ALSO: Developing Story: Femi Adebayo’s Wife, Omotayo Allegedly Confronts Funke Akindele Over Suspected Affair With Her Husband

Obi added that Fidelity Bank is owned by thousands of shareholders and no single individual controls it.

“Fidelity has more than 500,000 shareholders. No one person, including myself, has a majority share. These lies are only meant to create confusion and discredit people who are working for the good of the country,” he added.

He called out what he referred to as “professional blackmailers,” accusing them of trying to manipulate public opinion for selfish gain. Obi also urged the public not to be distracted by such stories, but to remain focused on facts and national progress.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION→ Telegram | X/Twitter | Facebook | WhatsApp|WhatsApp Channel|Mobile App|Instagram