Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, on Sunday shared a video showing his brief encounter with former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The 35-second video, posted on Omokri’s X handle, has since generated widespread reactions on social media, especially among supporters of both political figures.
In the video, Obi was seen standing near a seating area at the airport with luggage and a few associates when Omokri approached him.
Omokri, who was dressed in a green traditional outfit with a matching cap, called out, “Mr. Obi!” before both men exchanged a handshake and a few words.
The former presidential aide also briefly placed his hand on Obi’s arm during the exchange. After the interaction, Obi turned and walked toward the departure area of the airport.
Sharing the video online, Omokri wrote: “Peter Obi And I Exchanging Warm Greetings Today At Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport In Anticipation of President Tinubu’s Reelection Next Year!”
The post quickly drew reactions from Nigerians online, with many users commenting on the contrast between Omokri’s public criticism of Obi and the friendly manner in which both men greeted each other at the airport.
Omokri has been one of the outspoken supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and has regularly criticised Obi and the Labour Party since the 2023 presidential election.
Over the past two years, the former presidential aide has frequently used social media platforms to challenge Obi’s statements, political positions and supporters, popularly known as “Obidients.”
Because of this history, many Nigerians were surprised to see both men exchange greetings in a calm and friendly manner.
Some social media users described the meeting as proof that political disagreements do not always translate into personal hostility, while others questioned why politicians who attack one another online often appear cordial in public.
Several users also noted that political competition in Nigeria is often more heated among supporters than among the politicians themselves.
The encounter comes at a time when discussions around the 2027 general elections are already gaining attention across the country.
Although no major political party has officially concluded plans for the next presidential election, political alignments and public debates have continued to shape conversations online and within political circles.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, remains one of the country’s most talked-about opposition figures.
His campaign attracted massive support, especially among young Nigerians and first-time voters, leading to the rise of the Obidient Movement.
Despite losing the election, Obi has continued to speak on national issues, including the economy, insecurity and governance.
On the other hand, Omokri has remained a vocal defender of the Tinubu administration and regularly comments on government policies and opposition politics through social media and public engagements.
President Tinubu had recently appointed Omokri as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico, a move that also generated public reactions because of his active role in political debates.
Within hours of the video being shared online, clips and screenshots from the encounter circulated widely across X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.
Some users praised both men for showing maturity despite political differences, while others argued that politicians should focus more on addressing national challenges rather than online rivalries.
Others also pointed to the encounter as a reminder that political disagreements should not lead to personal hatred among Nigerians.
In recent years, political discussions on social media have become increasingly tense, especially between supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party.
The divisions became more visible during and after the 2023 presidential election, with online arguments often spilling into personal attacks and misinformation campaigns.
Against this background, the friendly exchange between Omokri and Obi attracted attention because many Nigerians have become used to seeing both men on opposing sides of heated political debates.
As reactions continue online, neither Obi nor his media team has officially commented on the airport encounter as of the time of filing this report.
However, the short video has continued to trend, adding another chapter to Nigeria’s ever-active political conversation on social media.