Yunusa Tanko, a prominent figure in the Obidient Movement and political adviser for Northern Nigeria to Peter Obi, has reportedly demanded ₦5 billion in damages from fellow Obi supporter Nmaa Ukpabi over social media comments connected to a disputed Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary in Kaduna State.
The demand was contained in a pre-action notice dated September 9, 2026, reportedly issued by Tanko’s lawyers, V-C Ottaokpukpu & Associates. The notice accuses Ukpabi of making defamatory statements about Tanko over the NDC primary for the Kawo State House of Assembly constituency.
Key Highlights
- Tanko’s lawyers reportedly demanded ₦5 billion from Nmaa Ukpabi over alleged defamatory comments.
- The dispute concerns the NDC primary for the Kawo constituency in Kaduna State.
- The pre-action notice reportedly sought removal of the posts, retraction and public apologies.
- Rakiya Baba Mohammed has claimed she won the primary with 225 votes, against 132 for Tanko’s son, Yunusa Mohammed Salisu.
- The ₦5 billion is a demand made before litigation, not a court judgment or award.
- The competing claims about the primary have not been resolved by a court judgment identified in the reports reviewed.
Tanko’s Lawyers Issue ₦5bn Defamation Demand
The legal notice reportedly accused Ukpabi of publishing statements on social media and WhatsApp that Tanko’s lawyers considered defamatory and damaging to his reputation.
Among the statements cited in the notice was an allegation describing Tanko as a “mandate thief orchestrator” and accusing him of corruption in connection with the disputed Kawo constituency ticket. The reported details of the demand and notice have been published in coverage on Nairaland.
Tanko’s legal representatives reportedly demanded that Ukpabi remove the allegedly defamatory posts, retract the statements and issue an apology. The notice also reportedly sought apologies through television and radio stations, including NTA and FRCN.
Lawyers Give Ukpabi 24-Hour Deadline
According to the reported pre-action notice, Ukpabi was given 24 hours to comply. Tanko’s lawyers warned that failure to do so could lead to legal action for defamation and other claims, including an alleged breach of their client’s constitutional rights.
The notice reportedly said Tanko reserved the right to approach security agencies over conduct his lawyers described as cyberstalking. No court ruling on the allegations was identified in the reports reviewed.
Dispute Centres on Kaduna NDC Primary
The legal confrontation stems from disagreement over the outcome of the NDC primary for the Kawo constituency. Rakiya Baba Mohammed, who says she took part in the primary, has alleged that she defeated Yunusa Mohammed Salisu, Tanko’s son, by 225 votes to 132.
Rakiya has also alleged that the party later moved to replace her with Tanko’s son despite her claimed victory. She has said voting in one ward was disrupted and cancelled, while results from the other wards showed her ahead. Those claims remain part of the political dispute and have not been established by a court judgment identified in the reports reviewed.
Ukpabi has continued to defend her position and her support for Rakiya’s account, arguing in social media posts that she stands by what she describes as the facts surrounding the primary.
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₦5bn Demand Is Not a Court Award
The ₦5 billion figure represents damages reportedly demanded by Tanko through his lawyers. A pre-action notice may precede litigation, but it does not establish that the alleged statements were defamatory or that Tanko is entitled to damages.
Any court proceedings would examine the statements, their context, whether they were defamatory and any applicable defences before deciding liability or damages. The underlying dispute over the party ticket also remains contested.
Tanko Takes New Political Role
The controversy comes as Tanko takes up the role of Political Adviser for Northern Nigeria to Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate. Punch reported on Tanko’s appointment and the transition from his former role as National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement.
For now, the ₦5 billion demand remains a pre-litigation claim, while the allegations about the Kawo primary and the competing accounts of its result remain unresolved in court.
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