Former presidential aide and Ambassador-designate, Reno Omokri, has challenged the claim by African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is 90 years old, presenting a purported 1996 photograph as part of his argument.
Omokri, in a statement on Friday, also called on veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu to testify to the authenticity of the photograph, which he said was taken in London in 1996.
The intervention followed Atiku’s recent claim in a BBC interview that he had evidence showing that President Tinubu is 90 years old and that he would present the evidence in court.
Atiku, who is preparing to contest the 2027 presidential election on the ADC platform, reportedly made the assertion while discussing his age, health and suitability to seek the presidency.
Responding to the claim, Omokri shared a photograph which he said showed Tinubu and Momodu together in London three decades ago.
He argued that if Tinubu were actually 90 years old in 2026, he would have been 60 at the time the photograph was allegedly taken.
Omokri challenged Nigerians to examine the image and determine whether the person identified as Tinubu appeared to be 60 years old at the time.
He also appealed directly to Momodu, saying the journalist was in a position to confirm whether the photograph was genuine and whether it was indeed taken in London in 1996.
The photograph has consequently become part of the growing political controversy surrounding the President’s age, an issue that has resurfaced as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu’s publicly stated date of birth is March 29, 1952, which would make him 74 years old in 2026.
Atiku’s claim therefore represents a substantial difference from the President’s officially stated age.
Omokri argued that political campaigns should focus on issues affecting Nigerians rather than what he described as attempts to “age-shame” political opponents.
He urged political actors to raise debates around the economy, insecurity, unemployment, education and other challenges confronting the country instead of concentrating on disputed personal details.
The controversy has also revived longstanding debates surrounding the reliability of political records in Nigeria.
Questions about the age, educational history and other personal details of prominent political figures have repeatedly surfaced during election campaigns.
Supporters of political candidates often use such controversies to challenge the credibility or fitness of opponents, while rival camps frequently dismiss them as politically motivated attacks.
In this case, however, Atiku has indicated that he intends to take his allegation beyond political rhetoric.
The ADC candidate said he possessed evidence supporting his assertion and would present it in court.
That means any formal legal challenge would ultimately require documentary or other admissible evidence capable of establishing the accuracy of the allegation.
Omokri’s photograph, meanwhile, provides a political counterargument but does not by itself conclusively establish Tinubu’s age.
The authenticity, date and context of the photograph would also have to be independently verified before it could be treated as definitive evidence.
The controversy comes at a time when the 2027 presidential contest is already becoming increasingly competitive.
Atiku is positioning himself as a major opposition challenger to the ruling All Progressives Congress, while Tinubu is expected to seek re-election.
The age debate has therefore become part of a wider political contest over experience, health, capacity and leadership.
Atiku has defended his own fitness to contest, insisting that he remains healthy, strong and capable of serving as President.
He has also criticised the Tinubu administration over insecurity and other national challenges.
For his part, Omokri has urged political actors to raise the standard of electoral debate by concentrating on policies and solutions rather than personal attacks.
The latest exchange is likely to generate further reactions from both camps, particularly if Atiku proceeds with his stated intention to present evidence in court.
For now, the issue remains a contest between an allegation by an opposition presidential candidate and a public rebuttal supported by a photograph whose authenticity and precise historical context would need to be established.
As the 2027 election approaches, the controversy underscores how intensely personal issues surrounding Nigeria’s political leadership can become.
Ultimately, whether President Tinubu is 90, as Atiku alleges, or 74, according to his publicly stated date of birth, is a question that should be resolved through credible records and verifiable evidence rather than political claims or appearances in photographs.
