Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has launched a scathing attack on ex-Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, accusing him of pushing a divisive agenda to destabilise Nigeria for selfish reasons.
In a strongly worded post on social media platform X, Omokri criticised El-Rufai for allegedly attempting to create ethnic tension within the North over ministerial appointments, warning that such actions could fracture the region’s long-standing unity.
“People from Kwara are Northerners,” Omokri declared. “If you believe they are Lukumi Yoruba and not Northerners, then redraw Nigeria’s map.”
Omokri referenced notable Northern leaders—including the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sardauna Ahmadu Bello, former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, and former President Muhammadu Buhari—as individuals who upheld the integrity of the region without engaging in ethnic exclusion.
He accused El-Rufai and his allies of attempting to stir division by circulating a list of 83 top positions allegedly occupied by Lukumi Yorubas in the current administration.
Omokri dismissed the list as misleading, asserting that Northerners still occupy a majority of strategic roles in government.
“Nasir and his surrogates are so desperate to destabilise Nigeria… they failed to inform their followers that there are more positions held by Northerners, which I have previously listed,” he stated.
Taking a direct swipe at El-Rufai, Omokri recalled a past controversy where the former governor was caught on video vowing to prioritise appointments for Muslims and residents of Northern Kaduna.
He also questioned El-Rufai’s political rise, suggesting it hinged entirely on support from former President Buhari.
“Even you, Nasir el-Rufai, are you even from Kaduna State? Without General Buhari, could you have emerged as Governor?” Omokri asked.
He concluded his post with a cryptic reference to Kogi State and a veiled warning, saying, “A nod is as good as a wink.”
The remarks have sparked fresh debate online, reigniting conversations around regional politics, identity, and the balance of power in Nigeria’s federal structure.
