AHEAD of the 2023 general election, a viral image showing the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, wearing a cap popularly identified with the customized design of Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, has surfaced on social media.
The claim signifies Obi’s solidarity and support for Tinubu’s presidency, even though both are rival candidates.
Tinubu, a man from the South-Western part of the country, is known for his bent Yoruba traditional cap. The cap has what looks like an infinity sign embroidered on it.
Most of his supporters show off the caps to prove their loyalty and support for his presidential aspiration.
READ: Photo of Obi in handshakes with Tinubu is FAKE!
A Facebook user, Ayodeji Ajise, posted the photo with a caption: “Obi is finally BATIFIED!!!”
A Twitter user, @Adeyemi62811314, tweeted the photo with a caption:
“@peter obi believe that no doubt Tinubu is the greatest man for president that is the signal one cap.”Â
The image had earlier been widely posted and shared by several Facebook users, as seen here and here and shared on many WhatsApp accounts.
CLAIM
That the photo shows Peter Obi wearing Bola Tinubu’s signature cap.
THE FINDINGS
Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE.
When subjected to a Google Reverse Image search, the result shows the image has been altered.Â
The image was shot during the wedding ceremony of Obi’s daughter, Gabriella Nwamaka, which took place in Anambra state in April. Obi was not putting on any cap in the picture, contrary to what is seen in the manipulated image.
The image was among the several pictures taken (as can be seen here and here) during the event.
Doctored images of Obi, Abati, others at Lagos blue line rail inauguration circulate online
The FactCheckHub observed that Obi rarely wears a cap, even when dressed in native attires. The presidential candidate appears without a cap in most of his photos and videos seen on the internet.
For instance, Peter Obi was seen without a cap during his recent trip to Egypt. He also appeared here without a cap during his recent visit to Governor Wike. A google search of his name also shows that Obi often appears without a cap.
THE VERDICT
The image that shows Obi wearing Tinubu’s traditional cap has been manipulated; hence, it is FALSE.
Nurudeen Akewushola is a fact-checker with FactCheckHub. He has authored several fact checks which have contributed to the fight against information disorder. You can reach him via [email protected] and @NurudeenAkewus1 via Twitter.
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