The National Coordinator of the Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Yunusa Tanko, has dismissed reports alleging that he insulted his former principal and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following his defection to the Social Democratic Party.
He issued the rebuttal in a statement released in Abuja by the Campaign Council’s Chief Media and Communications Adviser, Mark Adebayo.
Tanko, who recently joined the SDP after leaving Obi’s camp, described the reports circulating on social media as fabricated, accusing their promoters of attempting to create a rift between him and the former Anambra State governor.
He said the claims that he used unprintable words against Obi were the handiwork of mischief-makers seeking to damage his reputation and sow discord between the two politicians.
According to him, those familiar with his character and political journey would know that he neither engaged in blackmail nor traded in insults.
He said, “I can never insult His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi. We parted ways peacefully and with absolute mutual understanding.
“Politics is about vision and service, never about bitterness or personal attacks.”
Reaffirming his appreciation for his former principal, Tanko said he remained grateful for the opportunities Obi gave him to serve as an aide and coordinate the Obidient Movement Worldwide.
“I remain forever grateful to Peter Obi, for the wonderful opportunities he gave me to serve alongside him and lead the Obidient Movement worldwide. I thank him and I stand proudly by the records of my service with him,” he added.
He warned those allegedly spreading the reports that their attempts to create hostility between him and Obi would fail, insisting that he would continue to accord the former governor the utmost respect.
The campaign council urged members of the public and the media to disregard the publications and rely on its verified communications.
The clarification comes amid political realignments within the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, following Tanko’s appointment as the National Coordinator of the SDP’s Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign Council.
The PUNCH reported on Wednesday that Tanko was unveiled to the SDP National Working Committee, party chieftains, stakeholders and supporters during the inauguration of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council at its national secretariat in Abuja.
His appointment came barely two weeks after he resigned as Obi’s Political Adviser for Northern Nigeria, a position he assumed after his removal as National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement in October.
Tanko also disclosed at the event that he had formally resigned his appointment with Obi before accepting the SDP offer.
Explaining the circumstances surrounding his departure, he said, “I tendered my resignation on the 30th of October 2026 as the political advisor to His Excellency Mr Peter Obi, to represent Northern Nigeria.
“I have since reached out to His Excellency Mr Peter Obi and the National Leader of the National Democratic Congress, Senator Seriake Dickson, whom I must confirm did a very good job by receiving me when I was the Chairman and Coordinator of the Obidient Movement.”
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