, arguing that it contradicts Nasir El-Rufai’s claim that Buhari supported his recent move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).){kind=link}
Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide, has commended ex-President Muhammadu Buhari for reaffirming his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that it contradicts Nasir El-Rufai’s claim that Buhari supported his recent move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, had suggested that he consulted Buhari before leaving the APC.
However, Garba Shehu, Buhari’s media aide, dismissed this claim, stating that the former president remained committed to the ruling party.
Reacting to the development, Omokri said Buhari’s position exposed El-Rufai’s attempt to mislead the public.
“My opinion of General Buhari has improved after he reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, contradicting El-Rufai’s attempt to create the impression that Buhari quietly endorsed his defection,” Omokri remarked.
He went on to praise Buhari for recognizing the progress made under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that the country had witnessed significant improvements.
According to Omokri, Tinubu’s government has achieved key milestones, including infrastructure expansion, reduced fuel prices, increased access to student loans, a ₦70,000 minimum wage, declining inflation, and a boost in electricity generation.
He cited major projects such as the Sokoto-Badagry Highway reaching Kebbi State, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway progressing toward Ondo State, and inflation dropping from 34.8% to 24.48% in early 2025.
“Federal allocations to states have risen, insecurity-related deaths are at their lowest since 2014, GDP grew by 3.8% in Q4 2024, and Nigeria’s trade surplus increased by 209.6% to ₦18.86 trillion in 2024,” he added.
Omokri argued that, given these achievements, Nigerians should not align with El-Rufai and former Anambra governor Peter Obi in an opposition movement against Tinubu.
He also commended Buhari for placing national unity above ethnic considerations, adding that his decision reaffirmed faith in a united Nigeria.
Omokri further praised Buhari for standing by Tinubu, recalling that Tinubu had remained loyal to the former president despite facing criticism from certain quarters in the Southwest.
He noted that despite any revelations about the previous administration, Tinubu had refrained from openly criticizing Buhari since assuming office.
“President Buhari has chosen to stand with Tinubu rather than with someone whom former President Obasanjo once described as inconsistent 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.