Kenneth Okonkwo, the Nollywood actor turned politician, has publicly praised Atiku Abubakar, the 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing him as a talent discoverer. This comes despite Okonkwo's past criticisms of Atiku. At the same time, Okonkwo accused his former principal, Peter Obi, of betraying him, citing a lack of decisiveness in leadership since 2014.
Okonkwo's Shift in Allegiance
Okonkwo, who served as the spokesperson for Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, made these remarks during an interview on Channels TV on Thursday, July 2. The interview took place a day after Okonkwo was appointed as the spokesperson for the ADC presidential candidate. According to Okonkwo, his relationship with Obi ended in 2014 after he concluded that the former Anambra governor lacked the required decisiveness to lead the country.
Atiku as a Talent Discoverer
In his statement, Okonkwo said: "Atiku Abubakar is a talent discoverer. When I met him the first time, and he told me his vision for this country, I was captivated. Atiku Abubakar [as president] is going to be a man of action. That is what his mission is, and his agenda will be adequately fulfilled." This marks a significant shift from his earlier stance, where he had been critical of Atiku.
Mixed Reactions from Nigerians
Okonkwo's comments have sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians. Tony Orji commented that Okonkwo's past clips about Peter Obi should have been played back to him: "Seun is too political, and it shows in his approach. His questions often come across as weak and uninspiring. When these politicians return to his show, he should simply play their previous clips and ask them to explain the contradictions. That's real accountability."
Jerry Abimbola accused Okonkwo of double standards: "Politicians with double standards; this man should look at himself in a scale mirror, how e defended Peter Obi and now ATIKU same with Bwala. Beards of the same feathers." Pa. Gbonko criticised the ADC chieftain: "A man who can change his perspective at any time, monetise and sell it through any means for the right price without hesitation—lacks integrity. Kenneth is greedy, unfocused, shortsighted, overly talkative, and unnecessarily loud. He has no true purpose inside or outside politics."
Emeka Onyejiekwe claimed that Atiku cannot become president: "Atiku Abubakar will never be president as long as Obasanjo is alive because he cursed him when he (Atiku Abubakar) ditched him. AA will continue to run from pillar to post until it's all over. Mark my words! Chief Obasanjo is my living witness. Period! Don't say you didn't hear."
Context: Presidency Defends Tinubu on Obi's Attacks
In related news, the presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism from Peter Obi. Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, responded to Obi's criticism of Tinubu's administration, stating that Obi was ignorant about Nigeria's power-generating capacity. Onanuga explained that the problem of Nigeria's electricity is not a shortage of gas, and disclosed the actual challenges facing the administration.
