Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has defended his support for President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the current administration is implementing key reforms long championed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement obtained by The Telegraph on Tuesday, Omokri took issue with what he described as “unwarranted attacks” from the media team of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, despite maintaining “the utmost respect” for Atiku.
“There is absolutely no reason for those around Waziri Atiku Abubakar to fight with someone who has only ever shown respect and has never uttered an unkind word, either overtly or covertly,” Omokri said.
Justifying his political stance, the former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan declared his strong support for President Tinubu, citing policies such as fuel subsidy removal, naira flotation, student loans, and devolution of powers — all, he said, previously proposed by the PDP.
“Yes, I support President Bola Tinubu — forcefully so — because he is delivering the results we in the PDP promised Nigerians,” Omokri stated. “Our goal is Nigeria’s progress.”
He emphasised that national development should transcend party lines: “It does not matter if the cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice. Likewise, it matters not whether the ruling party is APC or PDP, so long as it delivers progress.”
Omokri also drew parallels between Tinubu and Atiku, pointing out that both men emerged from the same political background.
“President Tinubu and Waziri Atiku are both of the 1989 Social Democratic Party stock; there’s little to no ideological difference between them,” he said.
Addressing questions about his loyalty, Omokri insisted he had never breached confidences during his work for Atiku.
“In my time working to help actualise Waziri Atiku Abubakar’s vision, I never betrayed any confidential information — and I never will,” he said. “No one can say I have ever tried to profit from that relationship.”
Expressing disappointment over recent criticisms, he added: “To attack me — when I have never said anything negative about Waziri or his inner circle — is most unkind. Nevertheless, I will not respond in kind.”
He concluded by reiterating that his restraint is born out of respect, not weakness.
“I choose to absorb the insults without retaliation — not out of cowardice, but out of respect.”
Omokri also reaffirmed his continued support for President Tinubu against political opponents.
“As long as Peter Obi challenges President Tinubu, I will continue to defend him,” he said.
