Claim: An X user, @fattylincorn_01, shared a video alleging that Peter Obi was primarily responsible for the 2013 stampede that killed 21 persons in Anambra State.

Verdict: The claim is misleading. Allegations resurfacing in 2026 appear politically motivated, especially given Obi’s renewed presidential ambitions.

Background Context

On December 18, 2024, a stampede occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, during a Christmas funfair organised by Women in Need of Governance and Support (WINGS), an initiative founded by Queen Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife. The event, held at Islamic High School, Bashorun, claimed the lives of 35 children and left several others injured.

The tragedy sparked widespread reactions. The Oyo State government denied involvement, insisting that the Ministry of Health was not asked to provide logistics. The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) demanded a comprehensive investigation.

Atiku Abubakar described the incident as heartbreaking, while Peter Obi criticised President Bola Tinubu for failing to visit Ibadan to sympathise with the victims’ families.

In July 2025, Obi reiterated on Channels TV that a compassionate leader should visit victims of tragedies.

By January 2026, a video of Obi saying, “If I was the President, I would have gone to Ibadan, look for the parents who lost their children and cry with them” went viral.

The video included a text overlay accusing him of hypocrisy, claiming he “directly caused the death of 21 in a stampede at Uke on 02-11-2013.”

See the screenshot of the video below:

The viral video attracted 11.4k views, 117 likes, 47 reposts, and 54 reactions across Facebook, here and here; on  X, here, here and here.

Many users criticised Obi, accusing him of selective compassion and dishonesty. Others doubted the authenticity of the video or defended Obi.

@akin2abiodun believes Obi should show compassion elsewhere, “But family of those slaughtered in your region have no meaning to you; it is those of other regions you want to go and cry with

@akanni_A labelled Obi a liar, saying, “This man is a bloody liar, why are you not talking about the one that happened in a church in your state

However, while @RoseBellkein doubted the video, saying “I have not watched this, but did he really say this?, @obadipeemmanuel believed Peter Obi was right, saying “The  president went there to campaign in 2023. What’s wrong if he goes to Ibadan to sympathize with them?

Peter Obi has since joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and expressed interest in contesting the 2027 general elections against President Bola Tinubu. The renewed allegations recall the 2013 Uke stampede, where Chris Ngige, then APC governorship candidate, blamed Obi, who was governor of Anambra State at the time.

Verification

NDRFact reviewed multiple reports. According to Al Jazeera, the stampede occurred at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Uke, Anambra, during All Souls Day, with around 100,000 worshippers present.

While authorities could not immediately identify the cause, Channels TV reported that eyewitnesses attributed the tragedy to overcrowding and panic triggered by false shouts of “fire.”

Reports confirmed that Obi attended the vigil with Willie Obiano and APGA chairman Victor Umeh, leaving at 3:30am. The incident occurred around 5 am.

The Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha stated that the chaos was caused by a false fire alarm, not sabotage. Agencia Fides reported that local politicians addressing the crowd sparked protests, worsening the situation.

Vanguard cited Obi’s broadcast alleging sabotage by opposition supporters chanting APC slogans and waving brooms at the venue. APC countered, blaming Obi and APGA for politicising the religious gathering.

Conclusion

The 2013 Uke stampede was caused by overcrowding and a false fire alarm. While Obi’s presence at the vigil linked him to the tragedy, no evidence directly implicates him in causing the stampede. Allegations resurfacing in 2026 appear politically motivated, especially given Obi’s renewed presidential ambitions.

Verdict: The claim that Peter Obi caused the 2013 Uke stampede is misleading.

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