Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has surprised many Nigerians by extending warm birthday wishes to Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, as he celebrated his 64th birthday on Saturday, July 19.
The birthday message—shared across Omokri’s social media platforms—has stirred mixed reactions online, given his consistent and outspoken criticism of Obi’s political style and the conduct of his supporters, popularly known as the Obidients.
“May God Bless You and Make You a Better Person” – Omokri
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Omokri wrote:
“Here’s wishing Peter Obi a happy 64th birthday. May God bless you and make you a better person. My family and I pray for your health and continued wealth, even as we wish for you to grow in stealth.
May biblical goodness and mercy be your life story henceforth, and may God reward you for your recent works of charity.
Happy birthday, Peter Gregory Obi, a worthy son of Nigeria.”
He doubled down on Instagram, addressing expected backlash from Obi’s supporters:
“I know it’s going to come as a surprise to some of his supporters, but I do wish him a happy birthday… I don’t hate Peter Obi. I’m a patriot and I love my country. We cannot be people who are governed by our emotions. If you rule by your emotions, you’ll be ruled by people who rule their emotions.”
A Surprising Moment of Civility
Omokri’s public disagreements with Peter Obi—particularly during and after the 2023 general elections—are well documented. He has consistently criticized Obi’s political strategy and condemned what he describes as the toxic behavior of some Obidients on social media.
Yet, despite their ideological differences, Omokri’s birthday message signals a rare moment of civility and statesmanship between two public figures often seen on opposite sides of Nigeria’s political divide.
Peter Obi at 64
Born on July 19, 1961, in Onitsha, Peter Obi served as Governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014. In 2023, he emerged as a formidable third-force presidential candidate under the Labour Party, capturing the imagination of many Nigerian youths and diaspora voters.
Although Obi has yet to respond publicly to Omokri’s birthday wishes, the gesture has already sparked widespread commentary online—with some praising Omokri’s maturity, while others view it as strategic or performative.
