Reno Omokri Shocks Social Media by Celebrating Peter Obi on His 64th Birthday Despite Past Criticisms [VIDEO]

Political analyst and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has sparked widespread reactions across Nigerian social media platforms after he publicly celebrated the birthday of his longtime political rival, Peter Obi. This unexpected gesture, which came on the heels of years of harsh criticism, has caught many Nigerians by surprise and triggered fresh conversations about political maturity, emotional intelligence, and public discourse.

Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, turned 64 on July 19. Despite facing relentless opposition from Omokri in recent years, Obi received a heartfelt birthday message from him via social media. Omokri’s message was striking not only for its cordial tone but also for the deeper message it conveyed about the distinction between political disagreement and personal animosity.

The congratulatory post read, "Happy 64th birthday Peter Obi! May God bless you and may God bless Nigeria!" This seemingly simple line was accompanied by a longer message aimed at explaining Omokri’s stance toward Obi and countering the popular notion that his criticisms stem from personal hatred.

Reno Omokri’s name has become synonymous with blunt, often fierce political commentary. Over the past few years, he has taken Peter Obi to task for what he describes as the demarketing of Nigeria, particularly during international engagements where Obi is known to highlight the country’s systemic issues. According to Omokri, his objections to Obi’s style are rooted in patriotic concerns, not personal grievances.

In a broader statement shared with the birthday message, Omokri wrote, “When Peter Obi criticizes the President, do you guys think he hates the President? No! So why do you think I hate him when I oppose him? I mean, we cannot be people who are governed by our emotions. If you rule by your emotions, you are going to be ruled by people who rule their emotions.”

This comment was not only an attempt to justify his previous opposition to Obi but also an appeal for a more rational approach to political discourse. His message seemed to urge Nigerians to separate emotional loyalty from objective analysis, especially in a political climate often charged with partisan fervor.

The reaction online was swift and divided. Some Nigerians applauded the gesture, calling it an example of maturity and civility in politics. Others remained skeptical, viewing the post as a performative move or possible political repositioning. Still, a significant number of users expressed hope that such moments could signify a turning point in the tone of national dialogue.

This development is especially noteworthy given the backdrop of the 2023 presidential elections, where Peter Obi gained massive support from Nigerian youths and urban voters. Reno Omokri, who strongly backed a rival candidate, was a consistent critic of the Labour Party's approach and often accused Obi’s supporters, popularly known as “Obidients,” of promoting chaos and misinformation.

The contrast between Omokri’s prior statements and his birthday message made it a trending topic within hours. Comment sections flooded with reactions ranging from praise to disbelief. One user wrote, “This is what we need in Nigeria. Politics should not mean enmity.” Another quipped, “If Reno is now sending Obi birthday wishes, then pigs are flying today.”

Regardless of public opinion, the symbolic weight of Omokri’s gesture cannot be ignored. In a political environment where divisions often turn personal and insults are mistaken for critique, moments like these serve as reminders that civility is still possible. Omokri’s decision to honor Obi’s birthday despite ideological differences sends a message that respect does not have to be sacrificed at the altar of political rivalry.

Observers and analysts have since pointed out that such interactions, while rare, could help restore public faith in the political process. By acknowledging the humanity of one’s opponents, even amidst sharp disagreements, a space is created for more constructive engagement and genuine national progress.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with its complex political realities, the public exchange between Omokri and Obi offers an unexpected but refreshing pause. Whether this marks a new chapter in their relationship or simply a one-time truce, it is a moment that resonated across divides and brought attention to the kind of politics many Nigerians hope to see.

Happy 64th Birthday Peter Obi pic.twitter.com/L5YVfAvvnE

— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) July 19, 2025