It’s a Lie, Obi Didn’t Offer Adeyanju Money, Abonyi Counters As Eyewitness 

Ike Abonyi, a distinguished journalist and political activist, has boldly contested the recent assertions made by fellow activist Deji Adeyanju regarding former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, who was the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in 2023.

Abonyi disclosed the particulars of a discussion that transpired at a meeting attended by Obi, Adeyanju, and himself in July 2022, preceding the 2023 general elections.

He underscored the stark disparity between their memories and Adeyanju’s subsequent allegations.

According to Abonyi, during the strategic meeting aimed at exploring potential opportunities for Adeyanju within the Labour Party, of which Obi was the presidential candidate, a spirit of camaraderie and transparency prevailed.

“A few weeks later, Deji was quoted as saying that Obi came to offer him money, which he declined, and that Obi told him he invested in the family business as a governor,” Abonyi recounted.

Reflecting on the three-hour conversation, Abonyi stated: “Nothing was offered, either in monetary terms or as a tangible gift, during the meeting.”

He continued: “I was baffled by the sudden fabrication, whether it stemmed from an expectation that Obi would offer something and a subsequent disappointment when it didn’t happen.

“I couldn’t fathom it. I called Deji to ascertain if he had met with Obi after our meeting, and he remained silent.”

He mentioned that during the meeting, Obi shared his political journey, while Adeyanju spoke of the profound influence his mother had on his life.

Abonyi noted that some weeks following the meeting, Adeyanju reportedly claimed that Obi had offered him money during their encounter.

The statement by Adeyanju, Abonyi remarked, raised eyebrows among political observers and supporters of the Labour Party.

“I was bewildered. I contacted Deji to inquire if he had met with Obi again after we departed, but he remained silent,” Abonyi recounted.

In 2022, Adeyanju, then a law student, seemed poised to run for a House of Representatives seat under the Labour Party—a venture he later abandoned.

Abonyi, initially a friend and ally to both men, explained that he felt compelled to publicly clarify the situation after Adeyanju’s allegations began to tarnish Obi’s well-earned reputation.

“It would be unjust to my conscience as a Christian and a journalist to allow Deji to perpetuate his false narrative under the guise of activism,” Abonyi asserted.

He urged Adeyanju to uphold the principles of truth and integrity, especially as he now embarks on his legal career.

“Upon being called to the Nigerian Bar, Deji should comprehend the weight of his words and the harm falsehoods can inflict,” he added.