Yunusa Tanko denies insulting Peter Obi after defection to SDP

Former Nigeria Democratic Congress(NDC) chieftain, Dr Yunusa Tanko, has dismissed reports that he insulted his former principal, Peter Obi, following his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Tanko, who is now the National Coordinator of the Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign Council, described the reports circulating on social media as false and an attempt to create bad blood between him and the former Anambra State governor.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the campaign council’s chief media and communications adviser, Mark Adebayo, Tanko said he left Obi’s camp on good terms and had no reason to speak ill of him.

“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 thanked Obi for giving him the opportunity to serve as an aide and coordinate the Obidient Movement Worldwide, saying he remained proud of his time working with him.

Tanko recently joined the SDP and was appointed National Coordinator of the party’s Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign Council.

He was unveiled at the inauguration of the SDP Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, nearly two weeks after resigning as Obi’s Political Adviser for Northern Nigeria.

Tanko said he submitted his resignation on October 30, 2026, before accepting the SDP appointment, adding that he had informed Obi and NDC leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, of his decision.