Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has launched a blistering attack on Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, accusing him of politicising national tragedies and exhibiting what he described as “selective outrage” in responding to security and disaster incidents across Nigeria.
Omokri’s criticism followed Obi’s public condemnation of a recent terrorist attack at Kasuwan-Daji Market in the Domo community of Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, where dozens of people were killed. Obi had described the incident as claiming “over 40 lives,” a figure Omokri disputed in a lengthy statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday.
According to Omokri, official police sources and witnesses on the ground put the death toll at 30, arguing that while the loss was tragic, exaggerating casualty figures for political effect was irresponsible.
“The terror attack is sad and condemnable,” Omokri wrote, “but even more devastating is your statement, which exaggerated the number Omokri Accuses Obi of ‘Selective Outrage’ Over Niger Killings, Sparks Fresh Political Firestormof dead for political reasons.”
He accused Obi of routinely amplifying tragedies outside his geopolitical zone while remaining silent when similar or worse incidents occur in Anambra State, Obi’s home state.
To support his claims, Omokri cited multiple incidents in Anambra that, according to him, did not attract public commentary from the former Anambra governor. These include two major fire outbreaks on New Year’s Day — one at Trano Rentals Hotel in Isuaniocha, Awka North, and another in Nnewi North Local Government Area, where warehouses and goods were destroyed.
Omokri also referenced a fireworks explosion during a Christmas carnival in Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area, on December 30, 2025, which reportedly killed several people and injured others.
“Very characteristically, you did not release any statement,” Omokri said, accusing Obi of remaining silent when tragedies occur in his home state while issuing strong condemnations when incidents happen in the North or South-West.
The former presidential aide further recalled Obi’s earlier criticism of emergency response efforts following the Great Nigeria Insurance House fire at Balogun Market in Lagos, suggesting that Obi offered condemnation without solutions.
READ ALSO: Peter Obi Condemns Fresh Terror Attacks as Over 40 Killed in Niger Market
“Is this not in line with your tribalistic character?” Omokri asked, alleging that Obi becomes “deaf, dumb, and blind” when tragedies occur in Igboland, but vocal elsewhere.
Obi has not, as of the time of filing this report, responded directly to Omokri’s allegations.
The exchange has reignited broader debates about the role of opposition figures in national crises, the ethics of political commentary during tragedies, and whether public leaders apply consistent standards when responding to disasters across different regions of the country.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity, accidents, and humanitarian emergencies, analysts warn that politicising grief risks deepening divisions at a time when national unity and coordinated responses are most needed.