“If Atiku Picks Peter Obi as Running Mate, He May Lose Even Adamawa” — Reno Omokri

Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has warned that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could risk losing political support in his home state if he chooses Peter Obi as his running mate in the 2027 presidential election.

Omokri made the remark on Monday in a post on X while responding to comments by media entrepreneur Dele Momodu. Momodu had said during an appearance on Sunday Politics that a joint Atiku–Obi ticket could defeat President Bola Tinubu.

Reacting to the claim, Omokri argued that selecting Obi could weaken Atiku’s support base in northern Nigeria and potentially affect his standing in Adamawa State.

“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 said.

While expressing respect for Atiku’s political stature, Omokri said suggestions that an Atiku–Obi alliance would easily defeat the incumbent president overlook political realities in the region.

He noted that religion and historical experiences often influence voting patterns in parts of northern Nigeria.

Omokri also referenced reactions to the 2021 killing of Ahmed Gulak in Owerri. Gulak, a former presidential aide from Adamawa, was shot dead by gunmen while travelling through the city.

According to Omokri, some residents of Adamawa remain dissatisfied with Obi’s response to the incident. He also cited the 2022 killing of a pregnant woman, Harira Jubril, and her children in Anambra State, saying the reaction to the attack has continued to shape perceptions among some northern voters.

Omokri criticised the promotion of an Atiku–Obi alliance, arguing that political leaders must remain sensitive to regional differences in a diverse country like Nigeria.

“Arewa has a long and deep memory. They do not easily forget insults, slights and offences,” he said.