Senator Kawu Sumaila, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Kano South, has cautioned individuals in Northern Nigeria against spreading what he described as false ethnic narratives about former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
According to the senator, those who deliberately spread falsehoods against innocent individuals for political reasons should remember that “there is life after politics” and that they would ultimately be accountable before Allah for their actions.
Sumaila reportedly rejected allegations that Peter Obi is an ethnic bigot or has ever demonstrated hatred toward any ethnic group in Nigeria. He also dismissed claims that Obi introduced or supported policies requiring Northerners to carry identity cards while serving as Governor of Anambra State.
The senator stated that when the issue of identity cards for Northerners in the South-East arose, he was among those who joined former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in efforts to stop its implementation. According to him, the policy was associated with former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, and a delegation including himself and Kwankwaso visited the Imo State Government House to caution against it.
He said the matter was resolved after Okorocha apologized and discontinued the initiative. Sumaila further emphasized that Peter Obi was no longer governor at the time the incident occurred, making attempts to link him to the policy inaccurate.
The senator explained that he chose to speak publicly because, as someone directly involved in the mediation process, remaining silent despite knowing the facts would weigh on his conscience before Allah.
The remarks have generated discussions on the role of political rhetoric and ethnic narratives in Nigeria’s electoral landscape, particularly regarding the spread of unverified claims against political figures.
