Kenneth Okonkwo Explains Why He Dumped Peter Obi for Atiku, Alleges Betrayal

Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has explained the reasons behind his decision to sever political ties with former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and throw his support behind former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

PulseNets learnt that Okonkwo said his decision was influenced by his conviction that Atiku appreciated his political value and relevance, unlike Obi, whom he accused of betraying the trust they once shared.

The former spokesperson for the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign disclosed this on Thursday while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, less than 24 hours after he was appointed spokesperson for Atiku.

During the interview, Okonkwo revisited the circumstances surrounding his split with Obi, explaining that his reservations about the former Anambra State governor had developed over time before he eventually decided to part ways with him.

According to the politician and Nollywood actor, his greatest concern centred on Obi’s leadership style, which he argued lacked the firmness and decisiveness required to govern a complex country like Nigeria.

PulseNets reports that Okonkwo stated he publicly distanced himself from Obi in 2024 after concluding that the former Labour Party presidential candidate did not possess the leadership qualities necessary to effectively preside over the country.

Highlighting the basis of his position, he said:

“As a public affairs analyst that I have been from 2009 before I ever met Peter Obi, I proceeded with my job. You were one of the earliest interviewers that interviewed me in July 2024 when I said I wasn’t speaking for him anymore because he’s not decisive.”

Okonkwo further explained that making his departure public was intended to eliminate any uncertainty about where he stood politically.

He stated:

“I’ve seen in him certain qualities that make him unfit to be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I made it public. By then, I had finished my job with him. But in order for the people to know that I am not speaking for him anymore, I made it public, and I went my own way, and I was doing my own job.”

The ADC chieftain also accused Obi of betraying him despite the support and commitment he said he gave throughout their political relationship.

Also Read: Kenneth Okonkwo Fires Back at Peter Obi Over ₦5 Billion Defamation Threat, Alleges Privacy Breach

In his words:

“He was the one who betrayed me.”