The Anambra State Government has described as false and misleading a viral video purporting to show Ozonna Soludo, son of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, campaigning for Peter Obi, the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
In the video, Ozonna appears dancing to music promoting Obi, with the NDC candidate’s logo and picture superimposed on the footage.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Media Assistant to the Anambra State First Lady, Dan Ezeigwe, said the clip was wrongly attributed to Ozonna and did not originate from him.
The statement said the video was being circulated mischievously and that any attempt to link the governor’s son to it is false, malicious and entirely unacceptable.
It also identified an individual, Kelechi Simon, reportedly a medical radiographer residing in Delta State, as being linked to the origin and circulation of the video, adding that the matter is being watched closely.
The government warned those spreading the misinformation to desist immediately, noting that laws against misinformation and libel remain in force and that anyone engaging in unlawful conduct should be prepared to face the full consequences.
It stressed that the internet is not a lawless territory and that political desperation is no defence against the law.
While acknowledging that everyone is free to campaign for their preferred candidate, express political opinions and engage in legitimate political debate, the statement cautioned that such freedom must not be abused through fabricated stories, malicious propaganda or deliberate falsehoods.
The government urged the public to verify information before publishing or sharing it, warning that those who deliberately spread falsehoods should not assume they are beyond the reach of the law.
