By Amanabo Ocholi | The Bureau News
Renowned journalist and author, Ike Abonyi, has strongly refuted allegations made by Human Rights Activist and Lawyer Deji Adeyanju, claiming that Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), offered him money for support during the 2023 elections.
Abonyi, who played a crucial role in arranging the meeting between Adeyanju and Obi in the lead-up to the 2023 elections, denied the bribery allegations, stating that Obi never made such an offer.
“No Offer of Money” – Ike Abonyi
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Abonyi clarified that he was present during the meeting where Adeyanju and Obi had an open discussion. According to Abonyi, Obi did not make any monetary offer to Adeyanju, contrary to the claims made by the activist.
Abonyi wrote:
“I am at pains joining issues with a friend in public, but at this instance, I cannot keep mum and allow untruths to thrive. My friend Deji Adeyanju just tweeted that the reason he stopped supporting the Labour Party, Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, was that Obi allegedly invested Anambra state money in his family business. I was at the meeting Deji had with Obi and was there all through. Obi never made any such statement, nor was there any offer of money, either during or after the meeting.”
Abonyi’s Personal Recollections of the Meeting
Abonyi explained that the meeting, which lasted about three hours, was a candid and open conversation where Obi shared his personal life story and his experiences in government. Abonyi expressed surprise when he saw Adeyanju’s claims in a tweet and immediately reached out to him, trying to clarify the matter.
“I was shocked to my marrow reading Deji’s tweet. In my shock, I immediately wrote to him: ‘Deji, did you and Obi meet again, or was it the one I was present at? Haba! Deji, I’m shocked. You’re free to support whoever you want, but please avoid these blackmails. You didn’t even factor in our friendship,” Abonyi added.
Abonyi’s Attempts to Resolve the Issue Privately
Abonyi revealed that after a previous negative post by Adeyanju regarding Obi, he attempted to resolve the situation privately. On July 9, 2022, he wrote to Adeyanju, expressing his shock at the situation:
“Deji, good morning, when did it get to this point? Obi is not looking for a job from Tinubu. As my friend, even if you no longer believe in the Obi project, I encourage you to stay on issues that will enhance your reputation.”
Abonyi added that despite his efforts, Adeyanju has not responded to his messages or taken his calls.
Clarification of the Facts: No Money Was Offered
Abonyi emphasized that, as a long-standing journalist and a Christian, he could not stay silent in the face of what he considered falsehoods. He reiterated that no money was offered during or after the meeting between Obi and Adeyanju.
“As a journalist of long standing and as a Christian, I don’t need to be an Obi-centric person to resolve issues that border on facts and falsehood. No money was offered during or after the meeting, and there was no promise of any, to the best of my knowledge.”
Deji Adeyanju’s Previous Support for Obi
Abonyi also pointed out that Deji Adeyanju had previously declared Peter Obi as the best candidate for Nigeria, encouraging him to leave the PDP and seek his ambition on a different platform. Abonyi concluded that while Adeyanju is free to change his stance, he should not base it on false claims.
“Deji is on record several times as having declared Obi to be the best candidate. He had publicly encouraged Obi to leave PDP and seek his ambition on another platform. Deji is free to support anyone he chooses, but it should not be based on what is not true.”
