Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, has ignited a fresh round of public debate after claiming during a television interview that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi sold a luxury wristwatch allegedly worth N300 million which he received as a gift, using the proceeds to fund education in Nigeria. Tanko made the remark while praising Obi’s commitment to education and social development, describing the alleged action as a symbol of “greatness.” According to Tanko, “I heard Peter Obi sold his wristwatch worth N300,000,000 that he received as a gift so that he can use the money to sponsor the education of Nigerians. That is greatness.”
The statement, which aired on a yet‑to‑be‑disclosed television programme, spread rapidly across social and political platforms, drawing both enthusiastic praise from supporters and sharp skepticism from critics. Followers of the Obidient Movement and Obi’s supporters widely embraced the narrative, viewing it as further evidence of the former governor’s prioritisation of public welfare over personal luxury. Many supporters framed the alleged act as a reflection of Obi’s frugality and his long‑standing emphasis on education as a tool for national transformation. Tanko’s statement aligns with his role as an active voice within the Obidient Movement, where he frequently promotes themes of accountability, transparency, and reform‑oriented leadership. He serves as the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, a position to which he was appointed in September 2024. The movement has built a substantial online and offline presence centered on advancing the political ideals associated with Peter Obi.
However, the claim has also attracted criticism from observers and political analysts who question its authenticity, urging the public to be cautious about unverified political narratives. Critics argue that while symbolic stories can inspire, they must be backed by clear evidence to maintain credibility in public discourse. The lack of independent corroboration of the alleged N300 million wristwatch and the circumstances of its sale has left many commentators demanding proof before accepting the narrative as fact. Some analysts have noted that the claim appears to have originated from Tanko’s televised remarks without accompanying documentation or confirmation from Obi himself or his media team. Tanko, however, has not produced any evidence to support the claim, and Obi’s official channels have not commented on the matter as of the time of this report.
The controversy has once again highlighted how quickly political statements can gain traction in Nigeria’s fast‑moving media environment, where viral narratives often shape public perception before official clarification is provided. Communication experts argue that politicians and commentators must exercise greater responsibility when making public claims that could affect reputations and national discourse, emphasising that emotionally compelling narratives often play a powerful role in political engagement, even when their factual basis is questionable.
The debate over the wristwatch claim has also drawn attention to Obi’s well‑documented history of statements about his personal belongings. In 2017, Peter Obi revealed during an interview that he owned only one wristwatch, which he had used for 17 years, along with two pairs of black shoes. He has consistently emphasised his modest lifestyle, stating that he does not keep a house help and personally serves guests in his home, while frequently flying economy class and embracing cost‑saving measures during his tenure as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014. Obi also rejected a N120 million house gift and a N20 million birthday party in 2025, directing those funds toward education instead, a decision that further reinforced his public image as a leader who prioritises social investment over personal extravagance. In 2017, Obi himself debunked claims that he owned a N1 million wristwatch, stating that his single watch was worth far less and that he had no reason to acquire expensive accessories. The contrast between Obi’s own statements about his modest belongings and the alleged N300 million gift watch claimed by Tanko has not been addressed by either party.
Tanko has remained a prominent defender of Peter Obi’s political ideals, frequently promoting the former governor’s commitment to education and his reputation for prudent leadership. Beyond the wristwatch claim, Tanko has also announced that supporters plan to raise N60 million to purchase a joint presidential nomination form for Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 elections, a move reflecting growing grassroots pressure within opposition ranks for coalition‑building. Tanko has also previously described Obi as one of the most highly attacked individuals in Nigerian politics and has dismissed criticisms of the former governor as propaganda.
As of the time of this report, Obi has not publicly addressed Tanko’s claim regarding the N300 million wristwatch. The presidency and major opposition figures have not commented on the controversy. The debate over the watch narrative continues to circulate online, reflecting the intersection of politics, media influence and public perception in Nigeria’s evolving democratic space. It remains to be seen whether Obi or his media team will issue a clarification regarding the alleged wristwatch sale.
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