Why I Dumped Peter Obi, Chose to Work With Atiku — Kenneth Okonkwo Reveals

Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has opened up on his decision to part ways with former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and align with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Okonkwo said his decision was driven by his belief that Atiku recognized his value and political relevance, unlike Obi, whom he accused of betraying his trust.

The former spokesperson for the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign made the remarks on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, barely 24 hours after his appointment as spokesperson for Atiku.

Speaking during the interview, the Nollywood actor-turned-politician revisited his fallout with Obi, stating that his concerns about the former Anambra governor had been building for some time before he eventually cut ties.

According to him, his major concern was Obi’s leadership style, which he described as lacking the firmness and decisiveness needed to govern a country like Nigeria.

Okonkwo said he had publicly distanced himself from Obi in 2024 after reaching the conclusion that the former presidential candidate did not possess the qualities needed to effectively lead the country.

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.”

He further explained that his decision to publicly announce his exit was necessary to avoid any confusion regarding his political allegiance.

Okonkwo said, “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 made a strong allegation against Obi, claiming the former governor betrayed him despite the support and commitment he offered during their political relationship.

In his words, “He was the one who betrayed me.”