Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has asserted that Peter Obi will face significant challenges in securing support from the South-East region for the 2027 presidential elections. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, the legal practitioner and actor strongly condemned the 'Obi or nothing' slogan used by some of Obi's supporters, labeling it a cultural 'abomination' in Igbo land.
Cultural Contradiction
Okonkwo argued that the phrase directly contradicts the core Igbo principle of 'Somadina,' which emphasizes collective progress over individual success. 'Somadina means that I will not be the only person that will thrive. I will not be the only person that will succeed,' he explained. He stressed that the slogan undermines the communal values deeply rooted in Igbo tradition.
Historical Reference
To reinforce his argument, Okonkwo referenced the 1979 elections, noting that the late nationalist Nnamdi Azikiwe understood that Igbo votes alone were insufficient to secure the presidency. He highlighted how Azikiwe respected Alex Ekwueme's decision to remain in a different political party, an alliance that eventually helped the South-East region secure the vice presidency and speakership just nine years after the civil war. 'And somebody here is telling me Obi or nothing? That is an abomination in Igbo land,' Okonkwo added.
Defection and Primary Elections
Okonkwo also addressed the recent defections of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the ADC to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). He alleged that the move was motivated by a fear of participating in primary elections. 'And the reason they went there is because they are scared of participating in primary election,' he said. He characterized the defection as deceptive, questioning why they would leave a coalition they had previously praised as the best strategy to challenge President Bola Tinubu. 'Is that not being a con man?' he asked during the interview.
Disillusionment with Obi's Movement
The former Obi ally reflected on his own departure from the movement, criticizing what he termed 'toxic followers' and 'street urchins.' Although he campaigned vigorously for Obi in the 2023 elections out of a desire for a South-East presidency, Okonkwo said he became disillusioned after the election results were not secured. 'After winning the election, what happened? He could not secure his own victory,' he remarked. He noted that he spent nearly two years campaigning and 240 days in court before deciding to move on.
