Oseloka Obi, son of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has dismissed recent speculations and online gossip linking his personal life to political narratives, describing them as distractions from the pressing issues facing Nigeria.
In a public statement, Oseloka said he had refrained from responding to falsehoods directed at him because he was not raised to indulge in lies or trade false narratives. He explained that his father’s involvement in politics had subjected him to persistent curiosity and, at times, malicious obsession, despite his lack of social media presence.
“I understand that gossip follows those connected to public life. But let me remind you: my father is the one in politics, not me. To assume that my life or choices are somehow political statements is a flawed and childish calculation,” he stated.
The actor and filmmaker stressed that ordinary photos of him had repeatedly been misrepresented and circulated online to create false impressions. He said such fabrications were unsettling but emphasised that what was being spread was “gossip, not exposés.”
Oseloka, who has built a career in theatre and film, said he had never relied on nepotism or his father’s wealth, noting that Peter Obi supported his chosen career path despite its differences from the political and business world. “My chosen path embraces diversity of class, race, sexuality, and identity. Yet some online use these roles against me and my father, presenting fiction as fact,” he said.
He further stressed that neither he nor his father was perfect, but affirmed his father’s integrity and commitment to addressing Nigeria’s current hardships. “In our home, the lesson was always clear: face your work, do it honestly, and contribute to the good of others. That is what I will continue to do,” he said.
Calling for an end to the spread of lies, Oseloka urged Nigerians to focus on urgent national problems such as insecurity, economic decline, poor infrastructure, and failing healthcare. He said his support for his father’s presidential ambition was not based on family ties but on his conviction that Peter Obi is the right man for the job.
“My father has my vote, not because he is my father, but because he is the right man for the job. If others wish to go low, invent scandals, or attack me to wound him, they are free to do so. But we will go high, and continue to focus on the future of Nigeria,” he concluded.
