Showunmi Fumes as Reno Omokri Claims He Interviewed and Hired Him as Atiku’s Spokesperson

Segun Showunmi, a former spokesperson to Atiku Abubakar, has strongly refuted claims by Reno Omokri that he was interviewed and hired by him to work for the former Vice President. Showunmi, in a fiery response, described Omokri’s remarks as false, delusional, and unworthy of serious attention.

The controversy began after Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, claimed in a recent interview shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he played a key role in assembling Atiku’s media team, including personally hiring Showunmi. “Atiku wanted me to be his spokesperson. I said no, I’m not going to be a spokesperson for a president and then be a spokesperson for a presidential candidate,” Omokri said. “But I hired his media team, I hired Segun Showunmi; I interviewed him and set his salary.”

Showunmi swiftly pushed back, calling the claim baseless. In a detailed rebuttal, he stated that Omokri played no part in his engagement with Atiku and dismissed the narrative as an attempt to rewrite history. “It will be a waste of saliva responding to this rubbish,” Showunmi wrote. He explained that his journey to joining Atiku’s team was facilitated by his friend Amina Jambo, who encouraged him through Lulu Obaifo to consider working with the former Vice President.

Showunmi said he personally asked the necessary questions, met with Atiku associate Uyi Giwa-Osagie, and later received a call from former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel while Atiku was in Dubai. Following further consultations, including meetings with American political consultant Dane Waters, Eta Uso, and Yemi Hilda, he eventually joined the campaign team—without any involvement from Omokri.

“The younger man is delusional. I first set eyes on him at a Defence of London advertising event in Dubai!” Showunmi said. “Believe Reno if you like—nonstop talking of rubbish. Ask him what the terms were and what was the role of the then Chief of Staff to Atiku, the Maiduguri man. Hire ko, hire ni.”

He went further to accuse Omokri of political inconsistency, referencing past criticisms Omokri made about President Bola Tinubu, which he claims have now been conveniently abandoned. “That was how he kept screaming rubbish about drugs and the president, and now he pretends to forget, talking more rubbish,” he said. “Na who no know Reno dey listen to his trash!”

Omokri, now a vocal supporter of the Tinubu administration, is reportedly among those being considered for ambassadorial appointments. His name is said to be on the list of nominees expected to undergo Senate screening.