Peter Obi Posed For Photo With Simon Ekpa? – Fresh Fact Emerge

Peter Obi Posed For Photo With Simon Ekpa? – Fresh Fact Emerge

A circulating photo on Facebook depicts Peter Obi of the Nigerian Labour Party standing alongside Biafran separatist Simon Ekpa.

In the image, Obi seems to be holding a book with Ekpa’s picture on it, and the scene is within an airplane. Assertions suggest that Obi, who came third in Nigeria’s February 2023 presidential election, is collaborating with Ekpa.

Ekpa has been accused of orchestrating unrest and the forceful implementation of the Monday sit-at-home in southeast Nigeria, while residing in Finland.

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One post reads:

“This was Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, in a pose with Simon Ekpa, and helping to promote a book he wrote about himself, the IPOB leader. This is the one that wants to rule Nigeria. Our youth will get sense by force when they realize that all they are seeing are just lies.”

The photo was also posted here, here and here, with similar claims.

The photo has raised concerns that Obi could be linked to pro-Biafran groups, which advocate for the restoration of the Republic of Biafra. Biafra declared independence in 1967, later rejoining Nigeria following a 30-month civil war.

Such associations could affect a candidate’s popularity outside the southeastern region, where Obi hails from. Additionally, Obi is challenging President Bola Tinubu’s election victory in court.

Yet, evidence suggests the photo may be manipulated.

Various anomalies, such as blurred areas like Ekpa’s arm and the bottom of Obi’s trouser leg, inconsistent rug colors, and Aisha Yesufu’s altered image, raise suspicion.

A Latin phrase “CAVEAT LECTOR” on an aircraft panel appears out of place. The Labour Party’s campaign spokesperson debunked the meeting between Obi and Ekpa, presenting the manipulated and original photos side by side.

It was revealed that the original picture involved Obi receiving a book, “A Mat of Roses,” from author Suraj Oyewale, who also confirmed the photo manipulation on Twitter.

Credit: Africa Check