Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has applauded ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s reaffirmation of loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that it contradicts former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai’s claim that his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) had Buhari’s backing.
El-Rufai, who recently left the APC, had suggested that he consulted the former president before making his decision.
However, Buhari’s media aide, Garba Shehu, dismissed this assertion, stating that the former president remained committed to the ruling party.
Reacting in a statement, Omokri said Buhari’s stance exposed El-Rufai’s attempt to create a false impression of the former president’s support for his defection.
“My perception of General Buhari has improved after he restated his commitment to the APC, dismissing Nasir El-Rufai’s attempt to mislead the public into believing that Buhari was silently supporting his move to the SDP,” Omokri remarked.
He further commended Buhari for acknowledging the achievements of President Bola Tinubu, stating that the country had made notable progress under his leadership.
According to Omokri, Tinubu’s administration has brought significant improvements, including the expansion of major highways, reduced fuel prices, increased student loan access, a ₦70,000 minimum wage, declining inflation, and record-high electricity generation.
He highlighted key developments such as the Sokoto-Badagry Highway reaching Kebbi State, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway progressing towards Ondo State, and inflation dropping from 34.8% to 24.48% in early 2025.
“Federal allocations to states have significantly increased, insecurity-related deaths are at their lowest since 2014, GDP grew by 3.8% in Q4 2024, and Nigeria’s trade surplus rose by 209.6% to ₦18.86 trillion in 2024,” he added.
Omokri argued that, given these achievements, it was unreasonable for Nigerians to rally behind El-Rufai and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, in an opposition alliance against Tinubu.
He also praised Buhari for prioritizing national unity over ethnic considerations. “I did not expect this from him, but his decision has strengthened the belief in a united Nigeria,” he stated.
Omokri lauded Buhari for standing by Tinubu, recalling how the president had remained loyal to Buhari even when faced with criticism from certain factions in the Southwest.
He further noted that, despite potential revelations about the previous administration, Tinubu had refrained from publicly criticizing Buhari since assuming office.
“President Buhari has done the right thing by standing with Tinubu rather than aligning with someone who, as former President Obasanjo once described, struggles with consistency in loyalty,” Omokri concluded.
He expressed confidence that Buhari’s reaffirmed support for the APC would prevent other party members from being misled by El-Rufai’s claims.