Reno Omokri, a former presidential New Media aide, has dismissed allegations that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration sees the former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as its primary political adversary.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Tribune, Omokri clarified that the current government’s main opposition lies within the northern political sphere.
According to Omokri, Tinubu’s administration regards core northern politicians who have taken a critical stance against the president as a more significant challenge than Peter Obi or any southern political figure.
He emphasized the president’s strategic approach to electioneering, stating that Tinubu garnered more votes from the North-West region during the 2023 elections than from his native South-West.
Omokri said, “This present government does not view Peter Obi as its main opposition. So, why would they unleash me on him? They view their main opposition, rightly or wrongly, as core northern politicians who are against the president.”
He added, “If you analyze the voting population, the entire South-East is probably not up to that of Kano State. Tinubu, being a brilliant election strategist, knows this and focuses more on the North.”
Omokri further explained his reasons for backing the Tinubu-led government despite his affiliation with other political figures.
He stated that his loyalty to Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, played a key role in his support for the current administration.
“Two years ago, I said any government that has Nuhu Ribadu in it is a government I cannot oppose. Ribadu has been like family to me, and I value our relationship above almost everything else. I won’t fight a government he’s part of,” Omokri revealed.
He also discussed Tinubu’s controversial policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Naira.
Omokri explained that while these policies sparked widespread criticism, they were measures the previous administration had also planned to implement.
He said, “While campaigning with Waziri Atiku, we promised to remove fuel subsidies, float the Naira, and restructure the country. Tinubu has already taken bold steps to implement these policies, even though they are unpopular.”
Omokri noted his disappointment in Atiku’s criticism of Tinubu’s economic decisions, stating that Atiku had initially supported similar reforms during the campaign period.
He said, “When Atiku began opposing Tinubu’s removal of subsidies, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed. We all knew Nigeria couldn’t sustain the subsidy; it was crippling our economy. Instead of using subsidized funds for productive ventures, they were spent on luxury imports like champagne and human hair.”
He concluded by saying his support for Tinubu was not influenced by tribal or regional interests but by a commitment to seeing Nigeria progress through difficult but necessary reforms.
Omokri’s comments have sparked reactions across the political landscape, with some seeing his stance as a reflection of deep-seated divisions within Nigeria’s political class.
As Tinubu’s government continues to face scrutiny over its policies, the role of northern politicians and their impact on governance remains a critical issue.
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