Mr. Peter Obi, Labour Party presidential candidate and former Anambra State governor, has rejected the idea of putting his picture on prayer mats, noting that it is misguided.
Pictures of Muslim prayer mats bearing Obi’s images had emerged on social media on Thursday.
The development caused a bit of controversy. While many condemned it, others insisted that no insult was intended.
But reacting to the development in a statement via his twitter account on Friday, Obi said he respects every religion and would never sanction the inclusion of his picture on prayer mats.
“The inclusion of my picture on the praying mat by a support group was misguided, even with the best of intentions. It didn’t emanate from my campaign team. I have deep respect for the Muslim faith and indeed, for every other religion,” Obi said.
“We will never mock any faith, ethnicity or gender. We are one Nigeria.”
The inclusion of my picture on the praying mat by a support group was misguided, even with the best of intentions. It didn't emanate from my campaign team. I have deep respect for the Muslim faith and indeed, for every other religion.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) July 1, 2022