Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has cautioned that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could face serious political setbacks in his home state of Adamawa if he selects Peter Obi as his running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
Omokri issued the warning in a post shared on the social media platform X on Monday while responding to comments made by media entrepreneur Dele Momodu.
Momodu had earlier suggested that a joint presidential ticket featuring Atiku and Obi could form a powerful opposition alliance capable of defeating incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Momodu’s proposal for opposition alliance
During an appearance on the political programme Sunday Politics on Channels Television, Momodu argued that a coalition between the two prominent opposition figures could present a formidable challenge to the current administration.
According to him, combining the political structures and support bases of both leaders could significantly strengthen the opposition ahead of the next presidential contest.
Omokri raises concerns over Northern political sentiment
However, Omokri rejected the idea, warning that such a political alliance could prove counterproductive, especially in Northern Nigeria.
While acknowledging the respect he has for Atiku, the former presidential aide argued that choosing Obi as a running mate might alienate a portion of Northern voters.
He explained that political choices in the region are often influenced by factors such as religion, past political events and long-standing perceptions among the electorate.
“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 wrote.
He added that although Atiku remains a strong political figure, the suggestion that an Atiku-Obi ticket could defeat Tinubu demonstrates what he described as a misunderstanding of Northern political dynamics.
Reference to past controversies
Omokri also referred to past incidents that he believes still influence political sentiments in parts of Northern Nigeria.
One of the issues he mentioned was the 2021 killing of Ahmed Gulak in Owerri, Imo State. Gulak, who was from Adamawa State, was shot dead by gunmen during a visit to the southeastern state.
According to Omokri, some residents of Adamawa continue to hold grievances over what they perceive as inadequate reactions from political figures regarding the incident.
He also mentioned the killing of a pregnant woman, Harira Jubril, and her children in Anambra State in May 2022.
Omokri alleged that the attack was carried out by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.
He claimed that Obi’s reaction to the incident also contributed to negative perceptions among some Northern voters.
“Now add that to the repeat of the same behaviour after the murder of Harira and her underage children by suspected IPOB/ESN elements in Peter Obi’s home state and his refusal to condemn the incident, and anybody tying themselves to Peter Obi is playing with fire,” he stated.
Warning about regional sensitivities
Omokri also criticised Momodu for promoting the possibility of an Atiku-Obi alliance without considering the broader political sensitivities in Nigeria.
According to him, historical grievances and perceived slights can influence voter attitudes in Northern Nigeria for long periods.
“Arewa has a long and deep memory. They do not easily forget insults, slights and offences,” he said.
The ambassador-designate added that symbolic political gestures such as mosque visits or charitable donations may not necessarily erase past grievances among voters.
Call for greater political sensitivity
In his concluding remarks, Omokri emphasised that political leaders must recognise the complexity of Nigeria’s social and cultural landscape when building alliances or seeking national leadership.
He noted that Nigeria’s diversity requires leaders who are mindful of ethnic, religious and regional differences when making political decisions.
“Nigeria, as one of the most multicultural, multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multiracial countries on Earth, needs leaders who are sensitive to these differences,” he said.
