Jonathan Directed Me to Pick Peter Obi for Atiku in 2019, Claims Reno Omokri

Reno Omokri, former presidential aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has revealed that he and Senator Ben Murray-Bruce played a key role in convincing Waziri Atiku Abubakar to select Peter Obi as his running mate in the 2019 presidential election.

Speaking in an interview, Omokri stated that his support for Obi at the time was not out of personal admiration but stemmed from loyalty to former President Jonathan, who personally endorsed Obi for the vice-presidential slot.

“In 2019, we packaged Peter Obi. I was with him, presenting him as the next best thing after sliced bread. Not because I particularly liked him, but because former President Jonathan told me, ‘This is the man I want,'” Omokri said.

Omokri disclosed that after Atiku requested him to headhunt a suitable running mate, he immediately called President Jonathan, who firmly suggested Peter Obi.

“When Waziri Atiku called me and said he needed a vice-presidential candidate, I didn’t even finish the call before reaching out to President Jonathan. He told me clearly, ‘It is Peter Obi.’ Out of respect for Atiku, I still created a shortlist, but Jonathan’s word was final for me,” he narrated.

He further claimed that Obi was highly eager to be picked, sending him up to 29 unsolicited CVs via email. “I never asked him for his CV. But he kept asking, ‘Have you seen it? Refresh your mail.’ If he denies it, I will disgrace him.

The emails are there,” Omokri asserted.

Omokri’s remarks add fresh perspective to the political dynamics that influenced the selection of Peter Obi as Atiku’s running mate in the last election cycle, and the behind-the-scenes role played by former President Jonathan.