My Political Path Changed, Not My Respect for Obi, Says Tanko

​The National Coordinator of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Campaign Council, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, has strongly refuted viral online publications alleging that he disparaged or used abusive language against Peter Obi, standard-bearer of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), ahead of the upcoming January 16, 2027 general elections.

​Addressing the fabrications through an official statement issued in Abuja by Comrade Mark Adebayo, Chief Media and Communications Advisor for the Adebayo-Bugaje (Ade-Buga) Presidential Campaign Council, Dr. Tanko branded the rumors as malicious propaganda engineered by political detractors. The purported reports were designed to foster unnecessary friction and undermine his personal credibility following his recent political transition to the SDP to champion the presidential ambition of Prince Adewole Adebayo and running mate Dr. Usman Bugaje.

​”We Parted Ways Peacefully,” Insists Tanko

​Emphasizing that his longstanding political ethics firmly preclude personal attacks or cheap blackmail, Dr. Tanko noted that his departure from his previous camp was strictly professional and conducted with absolute mutual respect.

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​“I can never insult His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi,” Dr. Tanko stated emphatically. “We parted ways peacefully and with absolute mutual understanding. Politics is about vision and service, never about bitterness or personal attacks.”

​The campaign council reiterated that although political alignments shift in a dynamic democracy, foundational respect and shared history should not be sacrificed on the altar of sensationalism. Tanko noted that the contributions made during his tenure in the Obidient Movement remain valuable to him, drawing a bold line between ideological differences and personal hostility.

​The Ade-Buga Campaign Council has urged the general public, party faithful, and members of the press to treat the circulating reports with the absolute contempt they deserve.

​Furthermore, the council admonished media consumers to rely solely on verified communications channels to avoid falling prey to deliberate disinformation campaigns aimed at poisoning the political landscape as the 2027 race heats up.