Claim
An X user Chigozirim Aliyu Emeakayi has claimed that Peter Obi, Labour Party 2023 Presidential candidate and the former governor of Anambra State congratulated MC Oluomo after he (MC Oluomo) was reportedly elected the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
The post reads “Breaking: Peter Obi pays homage to Oluomo, vows to work with him as the new NURTW National President”
As of the time of filing this report, the post, made on November 12, 2024, had gained 331,000 views, 332 reposts, 788 replies, and 2,000 likes.
Also, on the 12th of November 2024, a news blog reported that Peter Obi paid homage to MC Oluomo after his election as the NURTW president. This image wa used in the publication.
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LinkedIn user, Dr. Stanley I. Boma also uploaded the image and asked if it was real or photoshopped, sparking various comments.
ROUNDCHECK subjected the image to different verification checks and was found to be misleading.
Who Is MC Oluomo?
Musiliu Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo. He rose to prominence and became the head of a motor park in Oshodi and eventually became the chairman of NURTW in Lagos.
According to media reports, he was elected as the National President of NURTW in 2024 but faced controversies, including allegations that he was no longer a member of the union after he tore his membership card in 2022.
He was later sacked by the Court of Appeal in Abuja and was replaced by Hamma Barka.
Brief of Peter Obi
Peter Gregory Obi CON is a Nigerian politician and businessman who was the Governor of Anambra State under President Olusegun Obasanjo from 17 March 2006 to 3 November 2006, when he was impeached. He was reinstated on 9 February 2007 and continued his tenure until 2010. In 2023, he contested for the post of president, leading a massive movement referred to as the Obidents.
ROUNDCHECK Findings
First, ROUNDCHECK subjected the images to a Google Reverse Image search to determine the photograph’s first publication date, and it discovered that the image was first found online on 11 November 2024.
The image was used in a post on the Nigeria forum blog Nairaland first on 11 November 2024. The image was used to announce the election of MC Oluomo as the National Chairman of NURTW.
In the picture taken by only MC Olumo, he was seen standing with two flags.
Our checks showed that the picture was later manipulated using a different picture of Peter Obi to depict that it was taken together.
Also, a further search through the official X handle of Peter of Obi showed that no message was posted regarding the election of MC Oluomo by the former governor.
Another closer look at the image also revealed a hidden faded logo at the top right side. This clearly explains that the person behind the manipulation added a logo imprint.
In addition, there were also no media reports of any visit of Peter Obi to Mc Oluomo.
Verdict
After putting the image to reverse image search it was found that the picture used to portray Peter Obi’s congratulation of MC Oluomo is misleading.
