Former Obidient Movement Global Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko has defended his relationship with his former principal, Peter Obi, insisting that his decision to pursue a different political direction does not amount to a rejection of the former Anambra State governor or the contributions he made to his political movement.
Tanko, who is now the National Coordinator of the Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign Council, dismissed reports alleging that he insulted Obi, describing such accounts as misleading.
He maintained that both men parted ways peacefully and with mutual understanding, stressing that their political differences had not translated into personal hostility.
This position was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Media and Communications Adviser of the Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign Council, Comrade Mark Adebayo.
The statement sought to correct reports suggesting that Tanko had made disparaging remarks about the former presidential candidate following his movement into a different political camp.
Tanko, who previously served as Obi’s aide and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, expressed appreciation for the opportunity he received to work closely with the former governor.
He acknowledged Obi’s role in providing him with a platform to contribute to the political movement, saying he remained proud of his service and the responsibilities entrusted to him.
The former Obidient coordinator also made it clear that his current political engagement should not be interpreted as an attempt to discredit the person with whom he previously worked.
According to him, political relationships may evolve as individuals make different choices about their future engagements, but such developments should not necessarily destroy the respect and goodwill established over time.
His comments come amid public attention surrounding his transition from the Obidient political structure to the Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign Council.
Tanko’s clarification also seeks to address speculation about possible disagreements between him and Obi following their separation.
He reiterated that he had no intention of undermining his former principal, adding that he would continue to hold him in high regard despite their different political affiliations and commitments.
The campaign council urged the public and media organisations to disregard reports portraying Tanko as having insulted Obi.
It advised journalists to verify information through credible channels and rely on official communications from the campaign council rather than circulate unsubstantiated claims.
Tanko’s message was essentially that changing political allegiance does not automatically translate into personal enmity, nor does it invalidate past relationships and contributions.