Reno Omokri, Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Mexico, has cautioned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that partnering with Peter Obi for the 2027 presidential election could result in a significant loss of support, even within Atiku’s home state of Adamawa.
Omokri’s comments, shared via his X handle on Monday, were a direct reaction to media entrepreneur Dele Momodu’s assertion that an Atiku–Obi ticket could unseat President Bola Tinubu.
While maintaining his respect for Atiku, Omokri argued that a coalition with the former Labour Party candidate would be a major strategic error due to Northern political dynamics.
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He stated: “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 further noted that suggesting such a ticket would be successful “shows a misunderstanding of Northern political realities,” emphasizing that religion and historical grievances heavily weigh on voter decisions in the region.
Omokri specifically pointed to lingering resentment in Adamawa over Obi’s perceived reactions to past tragedies, including the 2021 assassination of Ahmed Gulak in Owerri and the 2022 murder of Harira Jubril and her children in Anambra.
He remarked: “Now add that to the repeat of the same behaviour 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.”
In his critique, Omokri warned that the Northern region—or “Arewa”—has a “long and deep memory. They do not easily forget insults, slights and offences.”
He concluded that symbolic gestures would not be enough to mend these ties, adding that “Nigeria, as one of the most multicultural, multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multiracial countries on Earth, needs leaders who are sensitive to these differences.”
