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

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