Reno Omokri’s Unconventional Loyalty: Why a PDP Stalwart Is Supporting President Tinubu
In the ever-evolving terrain of Nigerian politics, party affiliations often seem rigid, almost tribal. However, one notable political figure is shaking up that narrative. Reno Omokri, a longtime member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former presidential aide, has publicly declared unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the rival All Progressives Congress (APC). And he’s not backing down anytime soon.
A Party Man with a Different Preference
During a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Omokri addressed growing speculations regarding his political loyalty. Contrary to assumptions that he might have quietly defected to the APC, Omokri clarified that he remains a committed PDP member. “I’m a member of the PDP because I have paid membership dues for the PDP for four years,” he affirmed.
Yet, in an unexpected twist, he continued, “However, I’m a supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and I will support him to the hilt. If he is going to contest the elections in 2027, I will work for him.”
This rare stance — maintaining party membership while endorsing a rival party’s leader — has sparked both confusion and debate within political circles and among the Nigerian public.
Tinubu vs. Obi: A Comparative Analysis
Omokri didn’t just stop at expressing support. He also offered a bold comparative analysis between President Tinubu and former Anambra governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. According to Omokri, Obi’s tenure did more harm than good in Anambra, citing statistics and poverty data.
“Peter Obi, as governor of Anambra, is the only governor in the last 26 years that increased poverty in Anambra,” Omokri stated, alleging that his predecessors and successors all left the state with improved poverty levels — except Obi.
Conversely, Omokri praised President Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s economic reforms. He emphasized the President’s bold policies, such as the removal of the fuel subsidy and floating the naira — moves that initially drew criticism but have been acknowledged by international financial institutions as steps in the right direction.
“This gentleman met a debt profile for Nigeria of $108 billion. Right now, our debt is $94 billion — a $14 billion reduction,” Omokri highlighted. He also noted that federal allocations to states have significantly increased, thanks to the reforms, with some states seeing their allocations double or even triple.
Breaking the Mold: Party Loyalty vs. National Interest?
Omokri’s open endorsement of Tinubu challenges the prevailing culture of party-first politics in Nigeria. His position suggests a shift toward evaluating leaders based on performance rather than allegiance — a narrative many believe Nigeria desperately needs.
Still, critics argue that such positions might undermine party discipline and unity, especially in an opposition party still reeling from internal divisions and leadership struggles. Omokri’s remarks could be interpreted as a vote of no confidence in the PDP’s future prospects, or as a personal ideological evolution driven by policy performance.
Conclusion: A New Political Realism?
Reno Omokri’s endorsement of President Tinubu while staying in the PDP is more than a political oddity — it’s a glimpse into a potential new era of Nigerian politics where support may shift from party lines to individual merit. Whether this becomes a trend or remains an outlier depends on how the electorate — and party machinery — responds.
For now, Omokri stands as a controversial yet fascinating case study in political independence, challenging Nigeria’s traditional two-party rivalry with a dose of unapologetic pragmatism.
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