Omokri Reacts Strongly As Peter Obi, Supporters Recite Old National Anthem

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has strongly criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, alongside party supporters for reciting the former national anthem during a town hall gathering in Lagos.

In a statement issued on Friday, November 13, 2026, Omokri described the Constitution, the national anthem, and the national football team as apolitical symbols that unite Nigerians, warning that anyone who openly disregards them should not expect citizens to entrust them with leadership.

The reaction trailed Thursday’s NDC town hall meeting in the Oregun area of Lagos State, where Obi, party officials, and attendees sang the defunct national anthem, ‘Arise, O Compatriots’, rather than the current anthem, ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’, after the event moderator switched versions.

Citing Section 24(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Omokri reminded citizens of their constitutional duty to abide by the law and respect national ideals, institutions, symbols, and legitimate authorities.

He stressed that the authority to determine Nigeria’s national anthem rests exclusively with the President and the National Assembly.

‘The Constitution, National Anthem and the National Football Team are three apolitical symbols that unite all Nigerians. If you are prepared to openly and unapologetically disrespect these symbols, then what should Nigerians expect from you?’ Omokri stated.

Questioning the leadership credentials of those involved, he added: ‘If you won’t respect your country’s Constitution. If you won’t respect your homeland’s National Football Team. If you won’t respect your nation’s National Anthem. How do you expect 235 million Nigerians to entrust you with their fate?’

The current national anthem, ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’, was officially reinstated following the enactment of the National Anthem Act 2024, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2024. The anthem originally served Nigeria from independence in 1960 until 1978, when it was replaced with ‘Arise, O Compatriots’.

Peter Obi, who ran under the Labour Party in 2023, is flying the NDC presidential flag in the 2027 general election with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate.