Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has revealed that he made a personal vow to dismantle the Obidient movement, a political movement associated with Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party.
Omokri, a vocal political commentator, claimed that Obi was his “project” and that he played a key role in securing Obi’s position as the running mate to Atiku Abubakar during the 2019 presidential election. His claim, however, contradicts former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s assertion that ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo was responsible for Obi’s selection.
Omokri Alleges Threats from Obidient Movement
Speaking in an interview with News Central on Thursday, Omokri alleged that members of the Obidient movement not only attacked him but also threatened his wife and child.
“I took a vow to destroy that movement because Peter Obi was a project of mine. I was responsible for Peter Obi becoming the running mate to Waziri Atiku Abubakar in 2019. I’ve said this publicly. I’ve got the documents. I’m a meticulous record keeper,” he stated.
Omokri further claimed that members of the movement took their attacks beyond social media, allegedly tracking his movements in the UK and threatening his family.
“They came to my house in the United Kingdom. They trailed my wife and me when we were jogging. They found out my jogging route and pursued me, threatening me,” he alleged.
Obi’s Silence Led to Retaliation, Says Omokri
According to Omokri, he had reached out to Peter Obi regarding the alleged attacks but received no response or action from him. He claimed that Obi’s inaction prompted him to actively work against the Obidient movement using his political influence.
“When I complained to Peter Obi, he did nothing. That was when I decided to use whatever political machinery I have to destroy that movement,” Omokri declared.
The Obidient movement, largely made up of young Nigerians, gained momentum ahead of the 2023 elections, positioning itself as a force against the traditional political elite. Obi, their preferred candidate, ran against Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Bola Tinubu of the APC, ultimately finishing third in the official results.
Omokri’s latest remarks have sparked fresh debates within Nigeria’s political circles, with supporters and critics weighing in on his claims.
