The Obidient Movement has debunked reports alleging that its National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, was removed from office by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing the claim as a calculated attempt to mislead Nigerians and sow confusion within the movement.
In a statement signed by Onyeka Dike on behalf of the Media and Communications Directorate of the group on Thursday the movement insisted that Obi neither relieved Tanko of his position nor authorised anyone to announce such a decision, urging the public to disregard what it called a fabricated publication.
The denial followed the circulation of a statement attributed to one Francis Nnoli, claiming that Tanko had been removed on the directive of a group identified as the “Obi Kwankwaso (OK) Movement.”
Reacting to the report, the Obidient Movement said the publication was “false, fictitious and fraudulent,” maintaining that it did not originate from Obi or any recognised organ of the movement.
“It is entirely false. His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi did not remove Dr. Yunusa Tanko from any position. He did not authorise any individual or group to issue such a statement,” the organisation said.
The movement stressed that Obi communicates major decisions only through his official channels, adding that any announcement affecting its leadership would be made through recognised platforms.
It also alleged that some individuals were creating fictitious organisations and falsely presenting themselves as representatives of Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement in a bid to gain political relevance ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to the statement, such groups were exploiting the popularity of the Obidient Movement to attract public attention, political patronage and campaign donations.
The movement further rejected claims that it had aligned with or defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that those making such assertions were acting independently.
Reaffirming its leadership structure, the organisation declared that Dr. Yunusa Tanko remains its only recognised National Coordinator and that all official communications are issued through authorised channels.
It urged Nigerians and media organisations to verify political information before publishing or sharing it, warning that misinformation and impersonation were likely to intensify as preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace.
The movement also called on security agencies to investigate those behind the alleged fake publication and other attempts to impersonate its leadership and misrepresent its position.