Peter Obi a Political Liability in the North, Says Reno Omokri - Newstrends
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Peter Obi a Political Liability in the North, Says Reno Omokri

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8 months ago

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Peter Obi Backs Subsidy Removal, Blames Poor Governance for N16 Trillion Waste
Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi

Peter Obi a Political Liability in the North, Says Reno Omokri

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has described former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi as a political liability, warning that selecting him as a running mate could weaken the political prospects of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 presidential election.

Omokri, who served as a media aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan and is Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico, made the remarks in a post on X (formerly Twitter) while reacting to comments by media entrepreneur Dele Momodu about possible opposition alliances ahead of the next general election.

In his post, Omokri warned that a potential Atiku–Obi ticket could alienate voters in northern Nigeria, including in Atiku’s home state of Adamawa, due to what he described as lingering political and religious sensitivities in the region.

“With all due respect, if Waziri Atiku Abubakar makes the mistake of running with Peter Obi in 2027, he may lose even Adamawa because of the political liability that Peter Obi has become in the North,” Omokri wrote.

He added that although he holds Atiku in high regard, the suggestion that an Atiku–Obi ticket could defeat President Bola Tinubu misunderstands the political realities of northern Nigeria, where religion, identity, and past events often influence electoral decisions.

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According to Omokri, some voters in Adamawa State still harbour resentment over Obi’s reaction to the 2021 killing of Ahmed Gulak, a former presidential aide who was shot dead by gunmen in Owerri, Imo State.

Gulak, a politician from Adamawa, was attacked while travelling to the airport during a visit to the state. The incident sparked national outrage and intensified security concerns in the South-East.

Omokri also referenced the 2022 killing of Harira Jubril and her children in Anambra State, arguing that Obi’s reaction to the incident contributed to negative perceptions among some northern communities.

He claimed that the murder, which authorities linked to criminal elements suspected to have connections with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), heightened tensions and influenced political sentiment in the North.

“Now add that to the repeat of the same behavior after the murder of Harira and her underage children by suspected IPOB/ESN elements in Peter Obi’s home state and his refusal to condemn the incident, and anybody tying themselves to Peter Obi is playing with fire,” Omokri wrote.

He further argued that symbolic political gestures such as visits to mosques or community donations would not necessarily erase past grievances among some northern voters.

“Nigeria, as one of the most multicultural, multireligious, multiethnic and multiracial countries on Earth, needs leaders who are sensitive to these differences,” he added.

The comments come amid growing discussions among opposition figures about possible alliances ahead of the 2027 presidential election, following the 2023 poll won by Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Political observers say the debate reflects the ongoing realignment within Nigeria’s opposition bloc as parties and political actors consider coalition strategies that could challenge the ruling party in the next electoral cycle.

Supporters of Peter Obi, however, have repeatedly dismissed such criticisms, pointing to the “Obidient movement”, which mobilised millions of young voters and helped the Labour Party achieve significant electoral gains in the 2023 general election.

Analysts note that any potential opposition alliance ahead of 2027 would likely require complex negotiations across regional, religious and political lines in Nigeria’s highly diverse political landscape.

Peter Obi a Political Liability in the North, Says Reno Omokri

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‘Stop Blaming Us’, APC Tells Atiku, ADC Over Court Judgment

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6 hours ago

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November 7, 2026

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‘Stop Blaming Us’, APC Tells Atiku, ADC Over Court Judgment
Felix Morka, APC National Publicity Secretary

‘Stop Blaming Us’, APC Tells Atiku, ADC Over Court Judgment

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has challenged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to resolve the party’s internal leadership crisis instead of blaming the ruling party and the judiciary for the consequences of the dispute.

The APC also questioned the ADC’s capacity to govern Nigeria, arguing that a political party struggling to manage its internal affairs should not expect Nigerians to entrust it with the responsibility of running the country.

The party’s position followed a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja that nullified the leadership of the ADC faction led by former Senate President David Mark and invalidated decisions taken by the faction, including its planned processes for selecting candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, made the remarks in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, November 6, 2026.

Morka said the ruling party was neither a party to the legal dispute nor responsible for the crisis rocking the opposition party. He described the controversy as an internal matter involving ADC members and leaders, insisting that the party should address its disagreements rather than accuse the APC of interference.

He also accused Atiku of attempting to take control of the ADC to advance his presidential ambition, describing the alleged move as an effort to satisfy what he called the former vice-president’s “quixotic presidential ambition”.

The APC spokesperson urged the ADC leadership to stop what he described as baseless accusations and concentrate on resolving its internal disagreements. He also challenged the party to pursue the appropriate legal process if it disagreed with the court’s decision.

Morka further accused the ADC of displaying double standards in its reaction to judicial decisions, arguing that the party should respect court rulings rather than attack the judiciary whenever a judgment goes against its interests.

The controversy followed a judgment delivered on Thursday, November 5, by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

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The suit was filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), who challenged the leadership structure that emerged after the resignation of the party’s former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu.

Gombe argued that he was entitled to assume the party’s leadership position following Nwosu’s departure and questioned the legitimacy of the leadership arrangement that produced the Mark-led faction.

In its ruling, the court upheld the plaintiff’s claims and nullified the leadership structure headed by Mark. It also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise decisions taken at the ADC National Executive Committee meeting of July 27, 2025, and subsequent actions arising from the disputed leadership arrangement.

The decision affected the party’s planned primary processes and the nomination of candidates for the 2027 elections, including Atiku’s emergence as its presidential candidate.

However, the judgment has been challenged by the ADC, which rejected the court’s decision and moved to contest it through the appellate process.

The party filed an appeal and applied for a stay of execution on Friday, November 6, in a bid to prevent the implementation of the judgment while the legal challenge is pending.

The ADC has maintained that an earlier judgment delivered on July 2, 2026, by Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court had affirmed the Mark-led leadership structure. It has also questioned the circumstances surrounding the latest ruling, arguing that one court should not overturn the decision of a court of coordinate jurisdiction.

However, the two cases arose from separate suits and legal challenges, a distinction that has featured in the debate surrounding the conflicting decisions.

The latest judgment has raised fresh questions about the ADC’s ability to participate fully in the 2027 elections if the ruling remains in force. Its implications for the party’s candidates and leadership structure will depend on the outcome of the appeal and any further judicial orders.

Atiku, meanwhile, has insisted that he remains in the presidential race and will be on the ballot in 2027. The former vice-president has accused the Tinubu-led administration and the ruling APC of using political and legal manoeuvres to frustrate opposition efforts.

The APC has denied responsibility for the ADC dispute, maintaining that the crisis originated within the opposition party.

The disagreement has deepened uncertainty within the ADC, which has positioned itself as a platform for opposition politicians seeking to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in the next general election.

For now, the legal battle over the party’s leadership and candidate-selection process remains unresolved, with the appeal expected to play a major role in determining whether the Mark-led faction can retain control of the party and whether Atiku’s presidential ambition will proceed under the ADC platform.

‘Stop Blaming Us’, APC Tells Atiku, ADC Over Court Judgment

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Atiku to Tinubu: You Cannot Use Courts to Escape Nigerians’ Verdict

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6 hours ago

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November 7, 2026

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Atiku to Tinubu: You Cannot Use Courts to Escape Nigerians' Verdict
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Atiku to Tinubu: You Cannot Use Courts to Escape Nigerians’ Verdict

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the latest court ruling affecting the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that no judicial decision or political manoeuvre will stop him from contesting the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku declared that he remained in the presidential race and would appear on the ballot despite a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja that nullified the leadership of the ADC under former Senate President David Mark and invalidated decisions taken by the party’s leadership, including the process that produced him as its presidential candidate.

The former vice-president made his position known in a statement issued in Sokoto on Friday, November 6, 2026, titled, ‘Bola Cannot Use the Courts to Escape the People’s Verdict; We Are on the Ballot’.

Reacting to the judgment delivered on Thursday, November 5, Atiku argued that the ruling should not be mistaken for the will of Nigerians, insisting that voters, rather than political manoeuvres, should determine who leads the country.

“Let no one mistake the latest court ruling for the will of the Nigerian people. No manipulation, conjecture or concoction can erase our place in this contest, silence our campaign or deny Nigerians the right to choose their future,” he said.

Atiku maintained that he would not abandon his presidential ambition despite the legal challenge facing his party.

“Let me be clear to every Nigerian who has stood with us: I am in this race. I am not going anywhere. We will be on the ballot. No threat, blackmail or court manoeuvre will make me abandon you or the cause we share,” he declared.

He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deploying political pressure, manufactured narratives and courtroom manoeuvres to weaken opposition parties and push Nigeria towards a one-party political system.

The former vice-president also alleged attempts to compromise the voters’ register through the use of artificial intelligence-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities.

According to him, the alleged actions were intended to undermine genuine political competition and prevent opposition parties from effectively challenging the ruling party in the 2027 elections.

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Atiku questioned why the APC would be concerned about opposition parties if it was confident of its political strength and performance in government.

He challenged the ruling party to allow Nigerians to decide the country’s leadership through a free, fair and credible electoral process.

“We will resist with all our strength every attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. Nigeria belongs to all its people. Our democracy must remain open to more than one party and more than one voice.

“If those in power believe in their numbers and their record, let us meet at the polls in a free, fair and credible contest,” he said.

The former vice-president also used the opportunity to criticise the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, blaming the removal of the petrol subsidy, the depreciation of the naira and rising food prices for worsening the hardship experienced by Nigerians.

He said the removal of the fuel subsidy was implemented without adequate measures to protect citizens from its economic consequences.

Atiku further alleged that factories and small businesses had shut down because of the difficult operating environment, while many young Nigerians were leaving the country in search of better opportunities.

He also expressed concern over the country’s security situation, accusing the government of failing to adequately protect communities from banditry and kidnapping.

According to him, the rising cost of living and insecurity have made economic relief and effective governance central issues ahead of the 2027 elections.

Atiku urged Nigerians not to lose hope or surrender their democratic rights because of the latest court decision, insisting that their votes remained the ultimate instrument for determining the country’s political future.

“Our campaign will continue. Our message on the cost of living will not be silenced or derailed. Stay calm, united and resolute. Together, we will fight for a Nigeria where life is affordable and every citizen’s vote counts,” he said.

He concluded with a direct message to Tinubu, declaring: “Let me say this plainly: Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box.”

The statement followed a Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu in Abuja, which nullified the leadership of the ADC under Senator David Mark and invalidated actions taken by the party’s caretaker leadership, including the process that produced Atiku as its presidential candidate.

The judgment followed a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, who challenged the emergence of the Mark-led leadership after the resignation of the party’s former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu.

Gombe argued that he was entitled to assume the party’s leadership following Nwosu’s resignation and that the process through which Mark and other members of the National Working Committee emerged violated the party’s constitution and guidelines.

Justice Lifu upheld Gombe’s claims, declaring the Mark-led executive’s emergence unlawful and directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise decisions taken by the disputed leadership.

The ruling also affected the party’s presidential nomination and other candidates presented for the 2027 general elections.

However, the ADC rejected the judgment and announced plans to challenge it through the appellate courts.

The party subsequently filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal on November 6, alongside an application seeking a stay of execution of the judgment pending the determination of the appeal.

The ADC also notified INEC of the legal steps taken and urged the commission not to take actions that could pre-empt the outcome of the appeal.

The party’s position is that the judgment should not be treated as the final determination of the dispute while its appeal remains pending.

Meanwhile, the APC has denied involvement in the ADC’s internal leadership crisis, urging the opposition party to resolve its internal disagreements.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also reacted to the controversy, saying that Nigeria’s political process would not collapse if Atiku failed to appear on the 2027 presidential ballot.

Despite the legal uncertainty surrounding the ADC’s leadership and presidential nomination, Atiku has maintained that he will continue his campaign and that Nigerians must ultimately be allowed to decide their preferred candidate through the ballot box.

Atiku to Tinubu: You Cannot Use Courts to Escape Nigerians’ Verdict

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2027: Atiku Defies Court Ruling, Vows to Remain in Presidential Race

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1 day ago

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November 6, 2026

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2027 Elections: Atiku Demands Names of INEC Ballot Printers, Questions Secret Contracts

2027: Atiku Defies Court Ruling, Vows to Remain in Presidential Race

 

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has vowed to press ahead with his 2027 presidential ambition despite the Federal High Court ruling that nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that neither legal manoeuvres nor political pressure would stop him from appearing on the ballot.

 

Atiku, in a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, dismissed the judgment affecting the party’s leadership and his presidential nomination, insisting that the court decision should not be interpreted as the position of Nigerians on who should contest the next presidential election.

 

“Let no one mistake the latest court ruling for the will of the Nigerian people. No manipulation, conjecture or concoction can erase our place in this contest, silence our campaign or deny Nigerians the right to choose their future,” he said.

 

“We are on the ballot, and the people must be allowed to decide.”

 

The former vice-president accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of deploying political pressure, judicial manoeuvres and other tactics to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

He also raised concerns over alleged attempts to manipulate the voters’ register with what he described as “AI-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities”, warning that such practices could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

 

Atiku argued that the developments pointed to an attempt to weaken opposition politics and steer the country towards a one-party state.

 

He challenged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to demonstrate confidence in its electoral strength by allowing a free and fair contest rather than relying on political influence to undermine its opponents.

 

“Those who boast of having thirty-two governors and claim to have bought, pressured or coerced leaders from other parties into their fold should have no reason to fear a free and fair contest,” he said.

 

Assessing the Tinubu administration’s performance, Atiku criticised the removal of fuel subsidy, the depreciation of the naira, rising food prices and worsening insecurity, accusing the government of failing to alleviate the economic hardship confronting millions of Nigerians.

 

He said businesses were shutting down, young Nigerians were leaving the country in search of better opportunities, while banditry and kidnapping continued to threaten lives and livelihoods across the country.

 

“Look around you. Market stalls stand empty. Feeding your family has become a daily struggle. Fuel prices keep rising, and silent pain fills homes across the country,” he said.

 

Despite the legal challenge confronting the ADC, Atiku urged his supporters not to lose hope, declaring that he had no intention of abandoning the presidential race.

 

“Let me be clear to every Nigerian who has stood with us: I am in this race. I am not going anywhere. We will be on the ballot,” he declared.

 

“No threat, blackmail or court manoeuvre will make me abandon you or the cause we share.”

 

He further vowed that the opposition would resist any attempt to impose a one-party political system on the country, insisting that the APC should be prepared to test its popularity at the polls.

 

“If those in power believe in their numbers and their record, let us meet at the polls in a free, fair and credible contest,” he said.

 

Atiku maintained that his political campaign would remain focused on the worsening cost of living and the need to restore economic opportunities and make life more affordable for Nigerians.

 

In a final swipe at the President, he declared: “Let me say this plainly: Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box.”

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