Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the former National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement and current Political Adviser, Northern Nigeria, to Peter Obi, has issued a demand for ₦5 billion in damages from Nmaa Ukpabi, a fellow supporter of Obi. Tanko's lawyers claim Ukpabi made defamatory and injurious statements about him on social media platforms and WhatsApp groups. The dispute centers around the controversy surrounding the New Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election for Kawo Constituency in Kaduna State.
The controversy began when Tanko's son, Yunusa Mohammed Salisu, was declared the NDC candidate for the constituency despite another aspirant, Rakiya Baba Mohammed, being declared the winner at the primary. SaharaReporters had reported that Rakiya allegedly won the direct primary held on May 29/30, 2026, after polling 225 votes against Salisu's 132 votes. The electoral officer's report declared Rakiya the winner, but the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) later published Salisu as the NDC candidate.
Tanko's lawyers, V-C Ottaokpukpu & Associates, Umuchukwu Chambers, issued a pre-action notice dated September 9, 2026, accusing Ukpabi of making defamatory statements. The notice claims Ukpabi accused Tanko of being a "mandate thief orchestrator" and alleged that he was responsible for replacing Rakiya's name with that of his son. The lawyers quoted Ukpabi as writing: "Dr. Tanko, the mandate thief orchestrator." The publications were shared on several WhatsApp groups and social media platforms.
The lawyers rejected the allegations, arguing that Tanko's reputation had been built over years of public service and political activism. They said their client had been associated with "unity, Youth and grassroots Participation, stronger democratic institutions inter alia," while his commitment to the rule of law and protection of human rights had never been questioned. The lawyers demanded that Ukpabi retract the alleged defamatory statements and publish apologies on television stations and radio stations.
The demand comes amid the continuing controversy over the NDC's Kawo Constituency ticket and allegations by some supporters that the party's internal process was manipulated. Tanko's lawyers accused Ukpabi of causing damage to Tanko's reputation and demanded that the alleged defamatory materials be immediately removed. The notice warned that failure to comply within 24 hours would lead to legal action for defamation and alleged violation of Tanko's constitutional rights.
The lawyers also demanded a public apology and retraction of the alleged defamatory statements. They said Ukpabi must publish an apology and retract the statements in at least two national newspapers within 24 hours of receiving the notice. Additionally, Ukpabi must publish a full retraction and unreserved apology in at least two international newspapers within the same 24-hour period.
The dispute highlights the tensions within the Obidient Movement and the NDC party. Key points include:
Key points
- Dr. Yunusa Tanko demands ₦5 billion in damages from Nmaa Ukpabi over alleged defamatory publications.
- The controversy centers around the NDC primary election for Kawo Constituency in Kaduna State.
- Tanko's son, Yunusa Mohammed Salisu, was declared the NDC candidate despite another aspirant, Rakiya Baba Mohammed, being declared the winner at the primary.
