The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, has dismissed reports alleging a rift between Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, and the party’s acting national chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, over the Anambra governorship election.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Tanko described the rumours as “baseless and misleading,” insisting that Obi’s recent public appearance at the campaign flag-off of the LP governorship candidate, Dr George Moghalu, was fully backed by the Usman-led caretaker panel.
“His Excellency Peter Obi has consistently affirmed that he remains a member of the Labour Party under the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman.
“He has also clearly stated his support for all individuals who previously secured the party’s ticket to contest political positions,” he said.
Recall that Obi, during the flag-off of the electioneering of the LP governorship campaign in Anambra, declared support for Moghalu.
Obi’s participation at the ceremony had sparked speculation of internal conflict within the LP, particularly regarding the factional leadership crisis that rocked the party in recent months.
The immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority was the official governorship candidate of the Julius Abure-led faction of LP.
Moghalu secured 573 votes to defeat his only rival, John Nwosu, who polled 19 votes during the party’s primary on April 5, 2025, at Finotel Hotel, Awka.
The exercise, monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission and election observers, recorded 649 delegates with 601 accredited, 592 valid votes, and five invalid ballots.
Tanko, debunking the crisis over Obi’s appearance at the campaign kick-off, stressed that the notion of betrayal being peddled in some quarters was a deliberate attempt by opposition figures to stir confusion within the party and discredit Obi’s loyalty.
“The rumour that Peter Obi has betrayed Senator Nenadi Usman is entirely baseless. It is a false narrative being peddled by opposition elements to distract and divide our ranks,” he stated.
Tanko clarified that both Senator Usman and other key stakeholders were fully informed of Obi’s involvement and supportive of the event.
“Let’s not forget that His Excellency, Peter Obi, is a man of integrity, known for keeping his word. His decision to support Dr George Moghalu reflects that consistency,” he noted.
He also highlighted a shift in political engagement within the party, noting that only credible voices—such as senators, members of the National Assembly, and grassroots leaders—have been speaking on behalf of the movement.
Tanko urged members of the public to disregard the false reports, which he described as propaganda aimed at sowing division within the Labour Party.
“Our focus remains on one goal: building a strong movement, a united Labour Party, and a better Nigeria. That, we shall achieve,” he declared.
