CPTA to Peter Obi: Retract False Statement on Auchi Polytechnic or Face Lawsuit<\/p>\n
The Center for Peace, Transparency and Accountability (CPTA) has issued a stern demand for a public apology from former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, over what it described as \u201cfalse and inflammatory\u201d claims regarding the recent Student Union Government (SUG) election at the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State.<\/p>\n
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At a press conference held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, CPTA condemned Obi\u2019s social media assertion that two students lost their lives and several others were injured during the exercise, describing the statement as \u201cirresponsible, unfounded, and capable of inciting public unrest.\u201d<\/p>\n
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CPTA Executive Director, Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero Jr., who addressed journalists at the event, said the claim amounted to disinformation and a dangerous attempt to undermine the reputation of the institution and its leadership.<\/p>\n
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\u201cContrary to Mr. Obi\u2019s claims, no student died or sustained serious injuries during the election. The process, though competitive, was conducted under tight security and institutional oversight. The management later declared it inconclusive due to observed irregularities, a move aimed at preserving peace on campus,\u201d Ogheneyero stated.<\/p>\n
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He cited the official statement from the school\u2019s Director of Public Relations, Mrs. Angela Egele, which clarified that while there were tensions, no fatalities or critical injuries occurred.<\/p>\n
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The group accused Mr. Obi of failing to verify his claims with the institution\u2019s authorities, law enforcement, or credible eyewitnesses, warning that such conduct falls short of the ethical expectations of any democratic leader.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWe hereby demand an immediate public retraction and apology from Mr. Peter Obi on his X (formerly Twitter) handle to the management, staff, and students of Auchi Polytechnic for the reputational damage caused. Failure to comply within seven working days will leave us no choice but to pursue legal redress in court for defamation and incitement,\u201d CPTA warned.<\/p>\n
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While emphasizing the importance of free speech, the organization stressed that public figures must exercise such freedoms with truth, restraint, and a sense of national responsibility, especially on sensitive matters involving youths and academic institutions.<\/p>\n
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In contrast to Obi\u2019s remarks, CPTA commended the leadership of the Rector of Auchi Polytechnic, Dr. Salisu Shehu Umar, for what it called \u201cgiant strides\u201d in transforming the institution since his appointment in February 2022.<\/p>\n
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Listing a series of development projects, the organization highlighted improvements in infrastructure, student welfare, and academic facilities under Dr. Umar\u2019s administration. These include the construction of internal asphalt roads, new lecture theaters, ICT centers, renovated libraries, a 2,000-seat multipurpose hall, and several sports and entrepreneurship initiatives.<\/p>\n
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\u201cDr. Umar\u2019s achievements reflect a comprehensive and inclusive model of development. His leadership is a shining example of what visionary and accountable administration can achieve in Nigeria\u2019s tertiary education sector,\u201d Ogheneyero added.<\/p>\n
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CPTA called on the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to recognize and support the ongoing transformation at Auchi Polytechnic.<\/p>\n
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The organization reaffirmed its full backing of Dr. Umar, noting that his legacy was being written not only in physical structures but in empowered students and transformed systems.<\/p>\n
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CPTA to Peter Obi: Retract False Statement on Auchi Polytechnic or Face Lawsuit The Center for Peace, Transparency and Accountability (CPTA) has issued a stern demand for a public apology from former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, over what it described as \u201cfalse and inflammatory\u201d claims regarding the recent Student Union Government (SUG) election at […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":147034,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[1723,1031,1724,296],"class_list":{"0":"post-147033","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-others","8":"tag-auchi-poly","9":"tag-election","10":"tag-patrick-ogheneyero","11":"tag-peter-obi"},"yoast_head":"\n