Peter Obi Denies Allegations of Rome Meeting with President Tinubu Over Fidelity Bank Debt

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has categorically denied reports suggesting that he traveled to Rome to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding an alleged ₦225 billion debt crisis linked to Fidelity Bank.

In a statement released on his official social media account, “It’s obvious that the biggest business for blackmailers now is talking about Peter Obi from every negative perspective. Even my solemn spiritual trip to Rome has been twisted into yet another blackmail campaign by merchants paid ostensibly to propagate anything negative against Obi.”

Obi clarified that while he briefly greeted President Tinubu at Saint Peter’s Basilica during the Mass, he did not seek nor hold a private meeting with him. He further stated that he has never requested an audience with President Tinubu since the latter assumed office.

Additionally, Obi addressed separate allegations regarding his ownership of Fidelity Bank, stating unequivocally that he does not own the bank. While he previously served as a Chairman/Director at three financial institutions, including Fidelity Bank, he holds no ownership stake. He noted that Fidelity Bank has over 500,000 shareholders, none of whom hold a majority stake.

It's obvious that the biggest business for blackmailers now is talking about Peter Obi from every negative perspective. Even my solemn spiritual trip to Rome has been twisted into yet another blackmail campaign by merchants paid ostensibly to propagate anything negative against…

— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) May 22, 2025