Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has criticised the recent exit of Peter Obi from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as a political misstep that northern Nigeria “cannot afford.”
Omokri made the disclosure on Sunday in a statement shared through his official X handle, following Obi’s announcement that he was leaving the ADC. Obi had cited deepening internal crises within the party and what he described as a hostile political environment as reasons for his departure.
According to him, his departure was instead prompted by recurring internal conflicts and external pressures within the ADC, which he said were beginning to mirror the challenges that led to his earlier exit from the Labour Party.
“The same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced me to leave now appear to be finding their way into the ADC,” he said.
He pointed to ongoing court cases, internal divisions, and what he described as a growing atmosphere of suspicion within the party, arguing that such issues were diverting attention away from addressing pressing national concerns.
In his response, Omokri argued that Obi’s presence in political parties often coincides with internal discord. He claimed that parties Obi previously joined were relatively stable until his arrival, after which tensions emerged.
“Once can be a mistake. Twice may be a coincidence. But after the third time, and then the fourth, it becomes a pattern,” Omokri stated, concluding that “the parties are not the problem; Peter is the issue.”
He questioned the wisdom of northern Nigeria, often referred to as Arewa, aligning politically with Obi, particularly in light of what he described as a history of unfulfilled commitments.
Omokri further alleged that Obi had made and broken multiple public promises not to leave political platforms that facilitated his rise, noting that the former Anambra State governor is now poised to move to a fifth political platform.
He also expressed doubts about Obi’s credibility regarding a one-term presidency pledge, arguing that his past actions undermine confidence in such a commitment.
Turning to policy considerations, Omokri said northern Nigeria’s major challenges include out-of-school children and rising insecurity, while agriculture remains a key strength. He questioned Obi’s track record in these areas, alleging that he did not build educational institutions or significantly develop agriculture during his tenure as governor.
Omokri urged northern leaders to make what he described as a “rational” political choice ahead of the 2027 elections. He advocated continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that Tinubu is constitutionally limited to one more term in office.
“It is in the best interest of Northern Nigeria to stick with the man who made it possible for General Buhari to win the APC presidential primaries in 2014 and the presidential election in 2015,” he said.
Omokri concluded by framing support for Tinubu as essential to national unity, asserting that the president has not acted against the interests of any region in Nigeria.
As of press time, Obi had not publicly responded to Omokri’s comments.
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