By John Umeh
A fresh political controversy is unfolding as former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has alleged that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, lobbied to become the running mate to Atiku Abubakar in the lead-up to the 2019 general election. Omokri made the explosive claim via social media on Sunday, further escalating tensions between supporters of both political figures.
According to Omokri, who served as a spokesperson to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Peter Obi actively sought the vice-presidential slot on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket and even went as far as sending emails to key party figures expressing his interest. To back his claim, Omokri shared a screenshot of what he described as one of the emails allegedly sent by Obi during the crucial period before Atiku announced his running mate.
The Alleged Email Evidence
The email, which Omokri claims is from Peter Obi, reportedly outlines reasons why he should be selected as Atiku’s running mate, citing his performance as governor of Anambra State, his appeal among the youth, and his compatibility with Atiku’s political vision. While the authenticity of the email has not been independently verified, Omokri insists that it is genuine and challenges Obi or his team to deny its contents.
“This man who now pretends to be anti-structure was once desperate to be part of the very structure he now demonizes,” Omokri wrote in a post accompanying the screenshot. “He didn’t stumble upon the VP slot; he lobbied, pleaded, and positioned himself for it.”
The former aide also claimed that Obi’s eventual selection in 2018 was not based purely on merit or Atiku’s preference, but rather due to behind-the-scenes lobbying and political calculations driven by Obi himself and his associates.
Political Reactions and Public Backlash
The revelation has triggered sharp reactions across political circles and social media platforms. Supporters of Obi have dismissed the allegation as a smear campaign, accusing Omokri of being a long-time critic bent on discrediting the former Anambra governor. Many questioned the timing of the release, suggesting it is part of a broader agenda to weaken Obi’s growing political influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, others argue that the email—if authentic—shows a typical case of political ambition, which in itself is not inherently wrong. “Every politician lobbies. That’s not a scandal, that’s politics,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Still, the implication that Obi actively sought the support of the same political establishment he now opposes has given his critics new ammunition.
Obi Camp Yet to Respond
As of the time of this report, Peter Obi and his media team have not issued any formal response to the allegations or the shared email screenshot. Observers are closely watching for a rebuttal or clarification that could either put the matter to rest or fuel it further.
This is not the first time Obi has come under fire from critics within and outside the PDP for alleged inconsistencies in his political messaging. Since leaving the PDP to run on the Labour Party platform in 2022, Obi has fashioned himself as a reformist outsider, appealing to Nigeria’s youth and middle class who are frustrated with the two dominant parties. Omokri’s claims, therefore, strike at the heart of Obi’s credibility as a principled political alternative.
Whether the alleged email proves to be a game-changer or another chapter in Nigeria’s increasingly heated political arena remains to be seen. One thing is clear: Reno Omokri has once again stirred the pot, reigniting the debate about Peter Obi’s political past, motives, and authenticity. As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 race, such revelations—true or not—are likely to shape the narratives that dominate public discourse.
