By Erewunmi Peace

A fresh political controversy has emerged following claims by Senator Victor Umeh that former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, owns over 200 shops in the recently demolished Lagos Trade Fair Complex.

Senator Umeh made the statement while commenting on the ongoing demolition of structures at the popular Lagos Trade Fair Complex, a move that has sparked reactions from traders and political figures alike.

“Peter Obi has a plaza there — over 200 shops, as far back as 1995. He’s one of the developers of the Trade Fair Complex,” Umeh reportedly said during an interview.

The remark quickly spread across social media, with many Nigerians questioning the accuracy of the claim and demanding proof of ownership.

However, as of the time of filing this report, no independent evidence or property records have confirmed that Peter Obi owns any plaza or shops within the Trade Fair Complex. Searches of official Lagos land and business registries have not produced documentation linking Obi to the site.

Major media outlets, including Vanguard and Daily Post, have reported Umeh’s statement but offered no verification. Meanwhile, The Punch reported that the Lagos State Government has refuted certain claims surrounding the demolition, emphasizing that most affected structures lacked proper approvals.

Political analysts note that such allegations are not uncommon in Nigeria’s charged political environment, especially as parties prepare for future elections.

For now, the claim remains unverified — a statement made by a political actor without supporting documentary evidence. Neither Peter Obi nor his media team has publicly responded to Senator Umeh’s assertion at the time of this publication.