Omokri Attacks Obi Over Comment on Nnamdi Kanu as Supporters Clash Online
By Passman Akpos
A fresh round of political controversy erupted on Monday after former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, criticised Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent comments regarding the conviction and sentencing of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a strongly worded statement, Omokri accused Obi of “ethnic bias” and “partial tolerance for terrorism,” alleging that the former Anambra governor had refused to condemn Kanu’s conduct during his trial but was now blaming Nigeria for injustice after the IPOB leader was sentenced.
Omokri said Obi deliberately avoided faulting Kanu for dismissing his senior legal team, his behaviour during court proceedings, and for declining to open his defence despite several opportunities given by Justice Emeka Nwite.He argued that Obi’s reaction to the conviction was inconsistent with his professed commitment to justice and national unity.
“After Nnamdi Kanu was rightly convicted and sentenced, Peter Obi suddenly remembers injustice,” Omokri wrote. “Nigeria does not need a leader who selectively condemns terrorism. What we need is zero tolerance for all forms of terror.”
Massive Pushback From Citizens
The comment immediately triggered a wave of reactions across social media, with thousands of Nigerians—both supporters and critics of Obi—clashing in heated exchanges.
Many social media users accused Omokri of being fixated on Obi and using every opportunity to attack him.
“Your obsession with Peter Obi is beginning to sound less like analysis and more like frustration,” one user wrote, arguing that Obi merely called for rule of law and due process, not an endorsement of Kanu.
Others insisted that Obi’s comments on Kanu’s sentencing were politically motivated and reflected longstanding concerns about his neutrality on separatist violence in the South-East.
“Mr Obi cannot be an unbiased leader. He has shown that many times,” a respondent said, supporting Omokri’s criticism.
Debate Over Justice, Ethnicity and Leadership@The controversy once again revived broader national tensions surrounding justice, ethnic loyalty, terrorism, and the handling of separatist agitations
Some users pointed out that past administrations engaged Niger Delta militants through dialogue, calling Obi’s approach consistent with peace-building practices previously adopted in the country.
“Jonathan engaged militants, negotiated peace, and the region stabilised. That’s what Obi is talking about. Dialogue. Not support for crime,” one commenter argued.
Others accused Omokri of inflaming ethnic divisions.
“Why weaponize ethnicity? Focus on national issues, not personal attacks,” another user wrote.
A Deepening Political Rivalry
Omokri, a vocal critic of Obi since the 2023 elections, insisted that his concerns stem from national security, not personal animosity. Supporters of the former presidential aide praised him for “speaking hard truths.”
But critics say the frequent attacks indicate a political rivalry that is becoming increasingly personal.
As the online exchanges continue, analysts warn that the recurring battles between both camps reflect deepening political polarisation ahead of future elections.
