Again! Omokri blasts El-Rufai over alleged criticism of Tinubu’s appointments

Former presidential spokesperson, Reno Omokri, has publicly criticised former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, accusing him of promoting ethnic division in the North to advance personal interests.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Omokri alleged that El-Rufai was deliberately attempting to inflame ethnic tensions over the distribution of ministerial appointments under President Bola Tinubu, warning that such efforts could jeopardize unity in the region.

“People from Kwara are Northerners,” Omokri declared. “If you believe they are Lukumi Yoruba and not Northerners, then redraw Nigeria’s map.”

He referenced respected Northern figures such as the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello; former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed; and ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, arguing that they had maintained regional cohesion without resorting to ethnic favoritism.

According to Omokri, El-Rufai and his associates have been circulating a list alleging that 83 key roles in the Tinubu administration are occupied by Lukumi Yoruba individuals—an effort he described as misleading and divisive. He countered that Northern Nigerians still hold a significant share of top positions 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.

Omokri also recalled a previous incident involving El-Rufai, where the former governor was reportedly seen in a video pledging to prioritize appointments for Muslims and Northern Kaduna residents.

Challenging El-Rufai’s political standing, Omokri questioned the legitimacy of his ties to Kaduna and his political ascent.

“Even you, Nasir el-Rufai, are you even from Kaduna State? Without General Buhari, could you have emerged as Governor?” Omokri asked.

He ended his post with a cryptic remark: “A nod is as good as a wink,” referencing Kogi State in a veiled comment that has stirred speculation online.