RismadarVoice Reporters
November 14, 2026
Former National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has denied allegations that he insulted former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi following his departure from the politician’s campaign team.
Tanko, who recently joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as National Coordinator of its Presidential Campaign Council, maintained that he had no personal disagreement with Obi and would continue to respect him.
In a statement issued on Saturday through Mark Adebayo, Chief Media and Communications Adviser to the Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign Council, Tanko reportedly dismissed online allegations that he had used derogatory language against his former principal.
He described the reports as an attempt to create unnecessary divisions between them.
Tanko said he remained grateful for the opportunities Obi gave him to serve in various political capacities, including his leadership of the Obidient Movement.
The clarification follows his appointment on November 11 as National Coordinator of the SDP Presidential Campaign Council for presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo and his running mate, Usman Bugaje.
Tanko had previously served as Obi’s campaign spokesman during the 2023 presidential election before becoming National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement in September 2024.
He later became Obi’s Political Adviser for Northern Nigeria but resigned from that position on October 30, 2026.
Speaking during an earlier interview with Symfoni TV, Tanko alleged that some individuals within the Obidient Movement no longer wanted him in the organisation.
He explained that his decision to leave was influenced by feelings of rejection within the movement rather than a personal dispute with Obi.
Despite expressing dissatisfaction with his treatment, Tanko maintained that he respected the former governor and appreciated their years of political association.
He also disclosed that he had informed Obi and the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Senator Seriake Dickson, before accepting his new political appointment.
Tanko said his relationship with SDP presidential candidate Adebayo dated back to 2023, describing their association as longstanding.
The former Obidient Movement coordinator has pledged to support the SDP’s nationwide mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general election.
Meanwhile, the Adebayo-Bugaje campaign organisation has urged members of the public to disregard unverified statements attributed to Tanko and rely on official communications.
His latest clarification comes amid public discussion about his political realignment and its implications for his relationship with Obi and the Obidient Movement.
