According to the Daily Post Newspaper, Reno Omokri, a former aide to the Nigerian presidency, has issued a cautionary note to Northern leaders regarding any plans to support Peter Obi, the previous Labour Party presidential candidate, as the flagbearer for the proposed opposition alliance.
According to Omokri, Obi would not fulfil any commitments made to the North if they choose to endorse him as their candidate, warning that a potential victory in 2027 would not translate to the delivery of promises made to Northern stakeholders.
Omokri’s comments came after Obi hinted at his readiness to govern for only a single term before handing over power to a Northern successor. However, Obi clarified that he has no existing arrangement with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for a joint presidential ticket.
Responding to Obi’s statement, Omokri cautioned the North against expecting any favourable outcome should they support Obi, drawing a parallel with the situation that befell the Hausa-Fulani communities in Cameroon after Ahmadou Ahidjo’s resignation from the presidency in 1982.
Omokri noted that the Hausa-Fulani have remained some of the most overlooked groups in Cameroon and that Biya failed to uphold the assurances he gave to Ahidjo before taking over leadership.
He further questioned Obi’s silence over the killing of Ahmed Gulak in Owerri in May 2021, hinting at a lack of accountability or interest from Obi on issues affecting the North.
Omokri also criticised Obi’s stance on the recurring Monday sit-at-home orders enforced in the Southeast, questioning why Obi has never openly denounced the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who are behind the disruptions affecting innocent Nigerians.
He reminded the North that during Obi’s campaign, he appointed individuals like Ifeanyi Ezeagu to lead his movement in Sokoto, Nigeria’s most Islamic state, and John Ezeigbe for Lagos, using these decisions to question Obi’s commitment to Northern interests.
Omokri expressed skepticism over Obi’s one-term promise, arguing that if Obi could not honour an earlier pledge to the late Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, it would be unrealistic for Northerners to expect him to respect any agreement with them.
He concluded by stating that if the North chooses to trust Obi’s promises, they should brace themselves for disappointment similar to what the Hausa-Fulani faced in Cameroon.
However, Omokri reassured Northern leaders that they have a dependable ally in President Bola Tinubu, a Southerner, noting that Tinubu demonstrated consistency and loyalty by standing firm during his pursuit of the presidency.
Hear him speak: “If Arewa makes the mistake of backing the coalition and giving their Presidential ticket to Peter Obi, exactly what happened to Northern Cameroon after Ahmadou Ahidjo resigned on November 4, 1982, is what will happen to Northern Nigeria. Go back and study history.
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