Ashawo Kobo Kobo”: Atiku’s Camp Slams Reno Omokri Over Political Flirtation with Tinubu
Loyalists of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have lashed out at Reno Omokri, accusing him of political opportunism and betrayal following his recent praise of President Bola Tinubu.
Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and a once-vocal critic of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu, has recently shifted his rhetoric, commending the Tinubu administration on several policy fronts, particularly in the area of security management in the Federal Capital Territory.
The public realignment has drawn sharp criticism from Atiku’s allies who described Omokri as an “ashawo kobo kobo,” a derogatory Nigerian slang connoting cheap political prostitution.
According to them, Omokri’s recent actions are reflective of a man willing to trade principles for proximity to power.
“You cannot stand on global platforms accusing a man of being a drug baron, then turn around to hail him as a capable leader once he wins power. That is not activism. That is a total sellout,” a PDP source told reporters.
In the buildup to the 2023 elections, Omokri was a visible figure in the Atiku campaign, organizing protests against Tinubu and frequently warning Nigerians against voting for him. Many of his supporters recall his public campaigns abroad, where he accused Tinubu of having a questionable past.
However, Omokri has defended his change in tone, stating that his comments on President Tinubu are based on performance and not loyalty. He maintained that his political allegiance remains with Atiku but that constructive criticism and honest praise are necessary for national progress.
“My loyalty is to Nigeria. If the president does something commendable, I will say so. If Atiku errs, I will also say so. I’m not a puppet,” Omokri said in a post on social media.
Despite his explanation, many PDP members and commentators see the move as part of a larger pattern of inconsistency within the opposition. Some believe Omokri’s shift could signal a deeper crisis in the PDP’s messaging and ideological unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political observers say the attack on Omokri highlights the growing discomfort in Atiku’s camp over perceived defections and wavering loyalties among key allies.
While it remains unclear whether Omokri will fully align with the APC or continue positioning himself as an independent voice, the development has sparked renewed calls within the PDP for a consolidation of ranks.
The controversy comes at a time when the opposition is under pressure to regroup and present a unified front following its loss in the last presidential election.
As internal cracks widen, party leaders fear such public disputes could further undermine efforts to reclaim national relevance.
