The campaign organization of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has clarified that he never intended to take legal action against Peoples Gazette over the controversial “Yes Daddy” leaked audio, contrary to widespread reports at the time. Obi’s spokesman explained on Monday, September 1, that the former governor only issued threats against the platform but did not have any concrete plan to pursue a lawsuit.
The clarification followed renewed discussions surrounding the 2023 campaign period, when an audio conversation allegedly between Obi and Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church, was leaked online. The recording, widely referred to as the “Yes Daddy” tape, generated national debate and was published by Peoples Gazette. In the audio, Obi was purportedly seeking support ahead of the presidential election.
At the time, Obi and his campaign organization dismissed the tape as manipulated and misleading, with strong denials about its authenticity. Reports also circulated that Obi was preparing to take legal action against Peoples Gazette for what his team described as an orchestrated attempt to tarnish his image and misrepresent his intentions.
However, the spokesman has now stated that while Obi was deeply angered by the publication and issued threats to the platform, there was no follow-through or structured plan to file a lawsuit. He added that the suggestion of legal action was meant more as a defensive reaction to protect Obi’s reputation than an actual judicial step.
The spokesman emphasized that Obi’s focus during the campaign remained on engaging Nigerians with his message of good governance, transparency, and reform, rather than being distracted by prolonged disputes with media platforms. He explained that legal proceedings were not prioritized because they could have detracted from the campaign’s momentum and shifted attention away from issues affecting Nigerians.
He also said the campaign team understood that the heated political environment at the time gave rise to propaganda, leaks, and misinformation, which made threats a common tactic to deter further publications, but not necessarily an indication of legal commitment.
The revelation underscores the intense pressure Obi faced during the 2023 elections, as his campaign gained momentum and challenged the dominance of Nigeria’s traditional political parties. The controversy surrounding the tape added to the fierce public debate, with supporters and opponents interpreting it through political lenses.
While the issue has resurfaced in political discussions, Obi’s spokesman reiterated that his principal remains focused on advocating for reforms, strengthening democratic accountability, and offering constructive criticism of the current administration where necessary. He maintained that Obi does not hold personal grudges against media organizations, but will continue to insist on fairness and accuracy in reporting.
The confirmation that no lawsuit was ever planned adds clarity to one of the more contentious moments of the 2023 election season. It highlights how political communication and campaign strategies often involve forceful reactions that may not translate into formal actions, especially in the context of Nigeria’s highly competitive political environment.
