The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party has warned Deji Adeyanju, a lawyer and activist, of potential legal action following allegations of defamation.
Umar Damagun, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, and Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s National Secretary, have instructed their lawyer, Johnson Usman, SAN, to send separate letters to Adeyanju.
These letters demand an immediate retraction of what they describe as defamatory statements made against them on social media.
The letters, which were made public in Abuja on Thursday, accuse Adeyanju of intentionally making inflammatory and derogatory remarks about Damagun and Anyanwu.
According to the party leaders’ legal representatives, Adeyanju’s comments were aimed at tarnishing their reputations among party members, supporters, and the wider public.
One of the specific allegations against Adeyanju is that he referred to Damagun as a “Tea man who goes to serve tea in Femi Gbajabiamila’s House” and Anyanwu as a “Kilishi Man” who serves “Kilishi” at the home of Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President.
Additionally, Adeyanju is accused of stating that both leaders have failed to lead the PDP effectively as a credible opposition party.
The PDP leaders claim that these statements have caused them significant political embarrassment, psychological distress, and humiliation.
In response, they have demanded that Adeyanju retract his comments and issue an apology through national newspapers and social media platforms within three days. If Adeyanju does not comply, they have warned of possible civil and criminal action.
It is important to note that Adeyanju has been a vocal critic of the PDP leadership. Damagun and Anyanwu have faced accusations of aligning with Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, rather than serving the interests of the party.
