The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has been named Nigeria’s top opposition figure by Reno Omokri, a former media aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
This declaration comes as Obi is expected to run again in the 2027 elections after securing third place in the 2023 polls.
Omokri, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and a popular political commentator, expressed his admiration for Obi’s determination and resilience.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Omokri declared that Obi is currently the most prominent opposition figure in Nigeria.
He further emphasized that any politician who considers themselves a bigger opposition force than Obi is mistaken.
In his statement, Omokri noted that several opposition politicians have already been “retired” by Obi’s rise but are still being kept politically relevant by their wealth. He also offered advice to Obi, urging him to broaden his appeal and avoid an overly Igbo-centric focus. Omokri suggested that Obi should encourage his supporters to use more persuasive language and issue an apology for his previous controversial remarks about a religious conflict involving the Muslim community.
Omokri’s shift in allegiance marks a significant political turn, as he had previously supported former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in past elections. However, he has now expressed full support for Obi, citing his leadership qualities and political potential ahead of the 2027 general election.
“Peter Obi is currently the Number One opposition figure in Nigeria. Bar none. Anybody in any opposition party who thinks that he is bigger than Obi right now is just deluded,” Omokri stated.
” If only he could be less Igbo-centric, appeal to his Obidients to use persuasive rather than abusive words and admit, then apologise for his ‘Yes Daddy” religious war’ comment against the Muslim Ummah, he would go far,” Omokri added.
