The National Coordinator of the Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Yunusa Tanko, has denied reports that he insulted his former principal, Peter Obi, following his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Tanko described the reports circulating on social media as false and misleading, accusing their promoters of attempting to create tension between him and the former Anambra State governor.
He made the clarification in a statement issued in Abuja by the campaign council’s Chief Media and Communications Adviser, Mark Adebayo.
Tanko, who recently joined the SDP after leaving Obi’s political camp, said their separation was peaceful and based on mutual understanding.
He dismissed claims that he used abusive language against Obi, insisting that he had no reason to disrespect someone he had worked closely with.
“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.
The former Obidient Movement coordinator also expressed appreciation to Obi for the opportunity to serve as his aide and lead the movement worldwide.
He said he remained proud of his contributions during his time working with the former governor and would continue to hold him in high regard.
“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.
Tanko warned against attempts to create hostility between him and Obi, urging the public and media organisations to disregard the reports and rely on verified statements from the campaign council.
His clarification comes amid political realignments within the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tanko was recently appointed National Coordinator of the SDP’s Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign Council after leaving Obi’s political camp.
He was formally unveiled to the party’s National Working Committee, chieftains, stakeholders and supporters during the inauguration of the presidential campaign council at the SDP national secretariat in Abuja.
His appointment came less than 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 confirmed that he had formally communicated his resignation to Obi before accepting the SDP appointment.
He said he submitted his resignation on October 30, 2026, and had since reached out to Obi and the National Leader of the National Democratic Congress, Senator Seriake Dickson, to inform them of his political decision.
