“They Are Not Activists, They Are Politicians!” — Omokri Rewrites the Rules of Political Identity
By Passman Akpos
“Differentiate Activists From Politicians” — Reno Omokri Fires Fresh Salvo at Opposition FiguresPolitical commentator and Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has called on Nigerians and the media to distinguish between genuine activists and politicians who merely present themselves as activists for political advantage.
In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, Omokri argued that many individuals once regarded as activists have now become full-fledged politicians and should be identified as such rather than continuing to enjoy the credibility associated with activism.
According to him, elections are won through strategic preparation and grassroots engagement rather than social media popularity or online activism.
Paraphrasing former Edo State Governor and Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, Omokri stated that politicians who cannot endure the disappointment of electoral defeat should reconsider participating in elections, emphasizing that post-election campaigns amount to “medicine after death.”
He criticized what he described as the illusion of social media influence, noting that electoral victories are determined at polling units and party congresses, not on Facebook, Instagram, or X.
The former presidential aide also took aim at opposition politicians who previously questioned the credibility of election processes but allegedly failed to demonstrate transparency within their own party primaries.
He argued that some political actors who built reputations as activists have abandoned objectivity in pursuit of personal ambitions and political advancement.
“These individuals are no longer activists. They are politicians, pure and simple,” Omokri declared, insisting that the media should stop referring to partisan political actors as activists because doing so gives them an unfair advantage in political discourse.
He further alleged that some self-styled activists have demonstrated the same tendencies they often accuse politicians of exhibiting, including a lack of transparency in managing public donations and support funds.
Omokri maintained that political criticism from such figures should be viewed through the lens of personal political ambition rather than public interest advocacy.
The outspoken commentator also expressed confidence in the political strength of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asserting that the president remains firmly positioned for re-election, barring unforeseen circumstances.
He concluded by urging Nigerians not to allow defeated candidates to return to the public arena under the guise of activism after unsuccessful political contests.
According to Omokri, public figures who have actively sought elective office should be accurately described as politicians or former candidates rather than activists, enabling citizens to properly assess the motivations behind their criticisms and political interventions.
The statement has already generated debate across political circles, with supporters agreeing that activism and partisan politics should be clearly separated, while critics argue that political participation does not necessarily disqualify individuals from continuing advocacy work on behalf of citizens.
