Drama Unfolds: Activist Deji Adeyanju Forced to Backtrack, Begs PDP Chairman and Secretary After Scandalous Claims

By Achimi Muktar

In a surprising turn of events, human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has officially retracted controversial statements he made against the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagun, and the acting National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. This dramatic climbdown follows intense backlash and legal threats from the duo.

In a letter dated December 6, issued by his law firm, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, and signed by Zainab Otega, Adeyanju apologized for what Damagun and Anyanwu deemed defamatory comments. The apology letter, addressed to their counsel, Johnson Usman, SAN, stated that the remarks were not meant to harm their reputation and expressed regret for any misinterpretations.

The letter read:

“Our client’s statements on the podcast were taken out of the bigger context of the conversation, which centered on the need for the PDP leadership to provide a robust opposition to the ruling party. These statements were not intended to defame your clients, and any perception of defamation is regretted and withdrawn with apologies.”

Adeyanju’s controversial remarks, made on The Honest Bunch podcast earlier this week, accused Damagun of “serving tea” and Anyanwu of “serving kilishi” in the house of President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. He went further, alleging that Tinubu was working behind the scenes to install a PDP presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections and claiming that both Damagun and Anyanwu were “moles” within the PDP.

“The current PDP is in Wike’s pocket,” Adeyanju said on the podcast. “He installed the current PDP National Chairman, who goes to serve tea in Gbajabiamila’s house. While Damagun serves tea, PDP’s National Secretary, Sam Anyanwu, goes to the kitchen to serve kilishi.”

The claims sparked outrage, with Damagun and Anyanwu threatening civil and criminal legal action. Through their lawyer, they demanded a public retraction and apologies published in national dailies and across social media to avoid a courtroom battle.

Adeyanju’s apology appears to be an attempt to stave off these legal consequences, though it remains to be seen how this development will affect his credibility as a vocal critic of Nigeria’s political establishment. For now, Adeyanju has softened his stance, insisting his comments were misconstrued and reaffirming his commitment to advocating for the interests of Nigerians.