By BONIFACE AKARAH

Peter Obi's Media Office has dismissed claims by former Minister of Sports Development and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Solomon Dalung, that Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has not visited Plateau State since the 2023 general elections, describing the assertion as inaccurate.

According to a statement signed by POMR Spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, the media office said Dalung's claim was "factually wrong," insisting that Obi had visited Plateau State on several occasions since the 2023 polls. It stated that Obi had spent nights in the state twice during the period, while his visits to communities affected by violence were driven by humanitarian, political and strategic considerations. The office further maintained that the allegation should be disregarded because it was "clearly false and without foundation."

"Peter Obi has made several visits to Plateau State since 2023 and has spent nights there on two occasions," the statement said, adding that the visits attracted significant public and media attention.

The media office said Obi had travelled to communities in Bokkos, Mangu, Bassa and Barkin Ladi following incidents of communal violence and insecurity to sympathise with victims and displaced residents.

"In response to ongoing communal violence and security issues, Obi has personally visited affected communities to offer condolences to victims and displaced persons," it stated.

According to the statement, Obi also visited internally displaced persons' camps in Mangu and Bokkos on several occasions, where he allegedly provided financial assistance, relief materials and support for clean water initiatives.

The media office recalled that Obi marked his 62nd birthday in July 2023 with displaced persons in Mangu Local Government Area instead of holding a formal celebration, describing the gesture as a demonstration of solidarity with victims of the crisis.

"Obi celebrated his 62nd birthday in July 2023 by spending time with displaced communities in Mangu Local Government Area, foregoing formal celebrations," the statement added.

It also said the former Anambra State governor had maintained regular engagement with traditional rulers, including the Gbong Gwom Jos, and government officials as part of his political and humanitarian activities in the North-Central region.

"His consistent presence in Plateau goes beyond routine political activities; it combines humanitarian efforts, direct interaction with his political support base, and a platform to draw attention to security challenges," the media office stated.

The statement urged the public to disregard Dalung's remarks, insisting they did not reflect the facts surrounding Obi's engagements in Plateau State.

Dalung's remarks and the rebuttal by Peter Obi's Media Office reflect differing accounts of the former presidential candidate's activities in Plateau State. At the time of filing this report, there was no immediate response from Dalung to the latest statement.