The Obidient Movement has reiterated that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, does not engage in or support personal attacks.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the group’s National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, clarified Obi’s stance on issues related to public discourse, respect, and responsible leadership.
“Peter Obi does not condone personal attacks,” Tanko said. “When Dele Farotimi raised concerns about his arrest and detention, it was done respectfully and clearly understood by elder statesman Afe Babalola.”
Tanko emphasized that Obi is known for integrity and does not entice individuals with money.
“Instead of promoting patronage politics, Obi invests in education, youth entrepreneurship, healthcare, and supporting the underprivileged,” he added.
Earlier this year, Obi visited Farotimi following his release from a correctional facility in Ekiti. Farotimi had been arrested on December 3, 2024, by the Ekiti State Police Command, over alleged defamation and cyberbullying against legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Aare Afe Babalola.
The allegations stemmed from comments made in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
Tanko explained that Obi’s engagement in the matter was misrepresented by detractors.
“On December 9, 2024, I was part of the team that visited Afe Babalola. The defamation case was later dropped following the intervention of the Ooni of Ife—not because Obi ‘begged’, as falsely reported,” Tanko clarified. “That claim is a lie, and witnesses like Mr. IK Aboyi have since corrected the narrative.”
Addressing other controversies, Tanko said Obi’s refusal to pursue legal action over the widely circulated “Yes, Daddy” audio was a strategic decision, not an admission of guilt.
“Choosing not to waste years in court does not equate to guilt,” he said. “It was simply a calculated move.”
Regarding alleged WhatsApp broadcasts targeting Lagos, Tanko dismissed the claims as baseless.
“There’s no credible evidence linking Obi or his team to any such messages. These lies are repeatedly recycled by paid agents with no proof.”
Tanko concluded by reaffirming the Obidient Movement’s commitment to truth and responsible leadership.
“While others chase attention through propaganda, we remain focused on service, integrity, and lifting Nigerians out of poverty. Obi’s name is dragged into these narratives only because he stands for something different—something better.”
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