Dare Babalola
Reno Omokri, former Director-General of Strategic Communications for the Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign, has clarified his stance on statements made about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following claims by Mr Omoyele Sowore and his his counsel, Mr Abubakar Marshal, during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
The issue arose during the trial when Sowore’s lawyer confronted the DSS over why Omokri was cleared for an ambassadorial appointment despite previously describing Tinubu as a “drug lord” on national television.
Omokri, in a statement via his X account on Wednesday, admitted to making uncomplimentary remarks about Tinubu in 2022-2023 but emphasised that he later discovered they were untrue and publicly withdrew them through various platforms.
He cited specific instances, including a statement affirming Tinubu as President on May 29, 2023, and another on October 26, 2023, after the Supreme Court ruled in Tinubu’s favor, dismissing petitions against him.
Omokri stated that he accepted the judgment, applauded it, and changed his stance on the statements he made against Tinubu, acknowledging they were wrong and based on false publications, some of which originated from Sowore’s platform, Saharareporters.
He added, “Subsequent to making those statements, I discovered that they were not, in fact, true, and I publicly withdrew them in writing and on video at various times and through multiple platforms.”
Omokri mentioned seeking a private audience with Tinubu on October 1, 2024, where he apologized in person, attributing his actions to being misled by media publications.
He argued that Sowore cannot rely on his withdrawn statements as a defense for statements made in August 2025, citing the rule against hearsay and referencing Phipson on Evidence.
Omokri reaffirmed Tinubu’s good character and moral standing, stating he is suited to lead Nigeria. He concluded that he is prepared to testify under oath with documentary evidence.
