Ike Abonyi, a renowned journalist, writer, author, and columnist, has refuted claims made by social media user Deji Adeyanju that Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, promised him money in exchange for his support.
Abonyi, who stated that he personally brokered and attended the meeting between Obi and Adeyanju ahead of the elections, described Adeyanju’s allegations as false.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Abonyi stated that Obi made no monetary or material offer during their three-hour conversation, contrary to Adeyanju’s account on social media.
“I was at the meeting Deji had with Obi and was there all through. None of the things Deji claimed ever happened. No money was offered during or after the meeting, and there was no promise of any to the best of my knowledge,” Abonyi said.
He noted that Adeyanju had also stated in July 2022 that Obi was willing to accept an appointment from Bola Tinubu, the then-APC presidential candidate—a claim Abonyi privately contested at the time.
According to Abonyi, the meeting he planned was to investigate Adeyanju’s potential candidature for the AMAC House of Representatives seat under the Labour Party, not as an enticement.
“It would be unfair to my conscience as a Christian and a journalist to allow Deji Adeyanju to continue with this false narrative. Obi simply shared his life and political journey as he has always done publicly. Nothing more,” he added.
Abonyi was also disappointed that Adeyanju, now a lawyer, would continue to promote what he called “a voyage of blackmail”, advising him to defend truth and honour if he wants to advance in his career.
