The National Coordinator of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Yunusa Tanko, has dismissed viral reports alleging that he insulted Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), ahead of the January 16, 2027 election.
Tanko described the reports as fabricated, insisting that he would never speak disrespectfully of his former principal.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Chief Media and Communications Adviser to the Adebayo-Bugaje (Ade-Buga) Presidential Campaign Council, Comrade Mark Adebayo, Tanko blamed the reports on political detractors seeking to create discord between him and Obi and damage his reputation.
The statement described Tanko as a principled and respectful individual who does not engage in blackmail or personal attacks.
Tanko also expressed confidence that Obi would dismiss the allegations, given the mutual respect between them.
“I can never insult His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi,” Tanko said. “We parted ways peacefully and with absolute mutual understanding. Politics is about vision and service, never about bitterness or personal attacks.”
He reiterated his appreciation for Obi, recalling the opportunities he had to serve as an aide to the former Anambra State governor and as National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide.
“I remain forever grateful to His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi, for the wonderful opportunities he gave me to serve alongside him and lead the Obidient Movement worldwide. I thank Mr Obi, and I stand proudly by the records of my service with him,” he added.
Tanko warned those circulating the reports against attempting to create hostility between him and his former principal, insisting that their efforts would fail.
He maintained that he and Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, remained on good terms and pledged to continue treating the former governor with the utmost respect.
The Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign Council urged members of the public and the media to disregard the reports, describing them as malicious, and rely instead on verified statements from the council.
