Tantancewa fact-checkers have spotted a viral post being shared on Facebook. The post which claims Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 general elections met with President Donald Trump in Washington and Mr. Trump made positive comments about Obi. The post written by someone named ‘Jerome Parson’ attributes comments allegedly made by the U.S. President, thus:
‘Trump Praises Peter Obi, Says He Sees Hope for a Greater Nigeria’
‘In what has been described as an unusual diplomatic nod, United States President Donald J. Trump has showered praise on Nigeria’s Labour Party flagbearer in the last presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, expressing optimism that Nigeria’s future could be brighter with leaders of his mold.’
Trump, speaking at an event in Washington over the weekend, said he was “impressed by Obi’s simplicity, discipline, and business acumen,”.
“I met Peter Obi, a fine gentleman, very smart, very humble. Nigeria has great potential, and I believe people like Obi represent hope for a greater Nigeria”.
The post was accompanied with two pictures, the first picture showed Peter Obi in handshake with President Donald Trump while on the second, Mr. Obi was seen standing with M.C Oluomo with a caption that reads: ‘Peter Obi pays homage to M.C. Oluomo, vows to work to with him as the new NURTW National President’.
Fact:
Tantancewa fact-checkers investigated the claim and found that it is false. Mr. Obi never met President Trump, and also never met M.C Oluomo or vowed to work with him as NURTW National President. The two pictures used in the story were both manipulated and fake pictures and do not the reflect the scenarios they purported to reflect.
A post made by verified Facebook profile of Mr. Peter Obi described the claim as fake news. Part of what he said in the post is stated as follows:
‘Clarification on Fake News and Photos’
‘My attention has been drawn to some pictures currently circulating on social media, falsely portraying meetings I never had. One of such images purports to show me with US President Donald Trump, alongside a fabricated claim that he praised me. Another seeks to depict me with MC Oluomo in his office.’
‘Let me state categorically that both pictures are fake and doctored, and the accompanying stories are entirely false. I have not met Mr. Trump recently, nor have I had any such meeting with MC Oluomo.’
‘These fabrications highlight the persistent dangers of fake news and disinformation in our society. They are not only misleading but deliberately designed to confuse, misguide, and distract the public. Nigerians and the international community must remain vigilant, verify information before sharing, and resist the culture of propaganda that undermines truth and integrity.’
Conclusion:
The viral post claiming that President Donald Trump has met and praised Peter Obi at a meeting in Washington is fake. The picture showing President Trump and Mr. Obi shaking hands is a manipulated picture as no meeting between the two occurred. The second picture showing Obi and MC Oluomo with endorsement comments is also fake. Obi confirmed in a debunking note that he has not met President Trump of MC Oluomo.
