The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, has dismissed what he described as “fresh waves of propaganda” targeted at Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, insisting that Nigerians are too enlightened to be swayed by falsehoods.
In a statement titled “Facts vs Lies”, Tanko accused Obi’s political opponents of “sponsoring deception through paid agents” and recycling old narratives in an attempt to tarnish his image.
He specifically addressed claims that Obi once “begged” elder statesman Afe Babalola in connection with a defamation case involving activist Dele Farotimi. Tanko maintained that the matter was resolved through the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, not as a result of any plea by Obi. “That narrative is a deliberate lie,” he said, pointing to the testimony of I.K. Aboyi, who initiated and witnessed the meeting.
On Obi’s political style, Tanko insisted that the former Anambra governor is guided by principle, not patronage. “Peter Obi does not gratify or entice individuals with money. His resources are channelled into education, youth entrepreneurship, healthcare, the almajiri system, and support for the poor and neglected,” he said.
Tanko also rebutted other flashpoints frequently used against Obi:
Regarding the controversial “Yes Daddy” audio, he stated that Obi chose not to pursue lengthy litigation as a matter of strategy, not out of guilt.
Regarding Nigeria’s rising debt profile, he cited figures from the Debt Management Office (DMO), showing liabilities at ₦149.38 trillion in Q1 2025, up from ₦144.67 trillion in Q4 2024.
On the alleged anti-Lagos WhatsApp broadcast, he insisted there was “no credible evidence whatsoever” linking Obi or his team.
According to him, Obi’s critics thrive on propaganda because “the truth exposes their failures.” He added, “These individuals parade themselves with all manner of titles, but in reality, they are failed propagandists desperate for relevance. Dragging Peter Obi’s name is their only way to seek attention.”
Tanko stressed that the Obidient Movement would continue to “stand for truth over propaganda, service over selfishness, and facts over fabrications,” insisting that “a New Nigeria is POssible.”
