Political commentator and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has defended his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the current administration is implementing core policies originally proposed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement obtained by PUNCH Online on Tuesday, Omokri responded to criticisms from the media team of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, expressing dismay over what he called “unwarranted attacks” from allies of the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate.
“There is absolutely no reason for those around Waziri Atiku Abubakar to fight with someone who only has the utmost respect for the former Vice President,” Omokri said, adding that he has never publicly or privately spoken ill of Atiku.
Omokri explained that his support for President Tinubu is based on the administration’s delivery of long-proposed reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy, flotation of the naira, devolution of power, and introduction of student loans — policies he said the PDP had long championed.
“Yes, I support President Bola Tinubu and forcefully so because he is delivering the results we in the Peoples Democratic Party said we were going to achieve,” he stated.
He added that political loyalty should take a backseat to national progress: “It does not matter if the cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice. And it matters not if the party in power is APC or PDP, as long as it delivers progress for the Nigerian nation.”
Drawing a parallel between Atiku and Tinubu, Omokri pointed out their shared political heritage, noting, “President Bola Tinubu and Waziri Atiku are both of the 1989 Social Democratic Party stock, and there is little or no difference between them.”
He further addressed questions about his integrity, saying he has never breached the trust placed in him while working to support Atiku’s political ambitions. “Nobody can say I have attempted to profit privately or publicly from such confidences,” Omokri said.
Despite the pushback from Atiku’s allies, Omokri insisted that his restraint is motivated by respect, not fear. “I choose to suffer the insults hurled at me without any retaliation. I am only observing restraint out of respect, not out of cowardice.”
He concluded the statement by doubling down on his political stance and reaffirming his support for Tinubu. “As long as Obi takes on President Tinubu, I will tackle him,” Omokri said, in reference to Labour Party leader Peter Obi.
The development adds another layer to the post-election tensions within the PDP, as prominent voices within the party reassess their loyalties in light of ongoing national reforms.