The National Coordinator of the Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Yunusa Tanko, has denied reports claiming that he insulted his former principal and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Tanko dismissed the reports in a statement issued in Abuja by the Campaign Council’s Chief Media and Communications Adviser, Mark Adebayo.
The former political adviser to Obi described the claims circulating on social media as fabricated, accusing those behind them of attempting to create hostility between him and the former Anambra State governor.
He insisted that he never used insulting or derogatory language against Obi, describing the allegations as an attempt by mischief-makers to damage his reputation and create unnecessary political tension.
According to Tanko, those familiar with his character and political journey would attest that he had never engaged in blackmail or traded insults.
“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,” he said.
Tanko also reaffirmed his appreciation for Obi, expressing gratitude for the opportunities he received while serving as his aide and coordinating 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 a rift between him and Obi would fail, maintaining that he would continue to accord the former governor the utmost respect.
The campaign council consequently 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 opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tanko recently joined the SDP, where he was appointed National Coordinator of the Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign Council.
His appointment was announced during the inauguration of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council at its national secretariat in Abuja, attended by members of the National Working Committee, party leaders, stakeholders and supporters.
The development came barely two weeks after he resigned as Obi’s Political Adviser for Northern Nigeria, a position he assumed following his removal as National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement in October.
Speaking at the inauguration, Tanko disclosed that he had formally resigned from his appointment with Obi before accepting the SDP offer.
“I tendered my resignation on the 30th of October 2026 as the political advisor to His Excellency Mr Peter Obi, to represent Northern Nigeria,” he said.
He also confirmed that he had contacted Obi and the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Senator Seriake Dickson, following his decision to leave the former governor’s political camp.
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