Reno Omokri, Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua, has challenged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s claim that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is 90 years old.
Omokri, in a statement issued on Friday, cited a photograph said to have been taken in London in 1996, which allegedly shows President Tinubu alongside journalist and publisher, Dele Momodu.
The controversy followed an interview granted by Atiku to the BBC, in which the former Vice President claimed that President Tinubu was 90 years old and expressed his readiness to present evidence to support the allegation in court.
Atiku had maintained that he remained physically fit and capable of seeking the presidency, arguing that his decision to contest was within his constitutional rights.
Responding to the claim, Omokri shared the 1996 photograph and questioned whether Tinubu appeared to have been 60 years old at the time the image was taken.
According to him, if the President were 90 years old in 2026, he would have been approximately 60 years old in 1996.
Omokri challenged Momodu to confirm the authenticity of the photograph, including the date and location where it was taken.
He argued that the image raised questions about the allegation concerning the President’s age, noting that Momodu, who was allegedly present when the photograph was taken, could provide clarification.
Omokri also recalled Momodu’s previous remarks regarding Tinubu’s support for him during his period of exile under the late military regime of General Sani Abacha.
While acknowledging Momodu’s right to support any political candidate of his choice, Omokri appealed to him to speak on the authenticity of the photograph.
He further urged political actors and Nigerians to elevate political discourse by focusing on issues directly affecting citizens, rather than engaging in what he described as personal attacks and age-related allegations.
According to Omokri, political campaigns should centre on practical solutions to Nigeria’s economic, security and social challenges.
President Tinubu’s publicly stated date of birth is March 29, 1952. Questions and controversies have, however, surrounded aspects of his personal records over the years, though the President has consistently maintained his stated personal details.
Meanwhile, Atiku, who has emerged as a presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election, defended his decision to seek the presidency, insisting that he remains healthy, strong and capable.
The former Vice President said his experience, competence and commitment to Nigeria informed his decision to remain active in the political process.
Atiku also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity, arguing that challenges relating to manpower and equipment had affected the country’s security architecture.
He promised that, if elected in 2027, his administration would prioritise efforts to address insurgency and other forms of insecurity, expressing confidence that significant progress could be achieved within the first year of his administration.
The exchange between Atiku and Omokri adds to the growing political debate and rhetoric as activities surrounding the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum across the country.
