Kenneth Okonkwo, chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has claimed that Victor Umeh, senator representing Anambra Central, told him that the best political option for the Igbo was for Peter Obi to serve as running mate to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in the ADC.
Okonkwo made the claim during an interview with Symfoni Media.
His remarks come days after Umeh accused him of falling out with Obi because the former Anambra governor refused to engage in what he described as transactional politics.
Responding to the allegation, Okonkwo said Umeh had repeatedly advocated a political alliance between Obi and Atiku before both politicians eventually parted ways ahead of the 2027 election.
“Even when we were all entering ADC, Victor made it clear and he spoke to me directly that the only chance the Igbo people have is to align with the North and for our brother Peter Obi to be a vice president,” Okonkwo said.
Asked whether Umeh said this to him personally, the former Labour Party spokesman replied: “He said it to me.”
Okonkwo said he immediately questioned whether Umeh had discussed the idea with Obi.
“I told him, have you told Obi this?” he said.
“He said, yes. But that Peter Obi is very stubborn. That if you tell him anything, he would not believe, but he will continue to try.”
Okonkwo also dismissed Umeh’s suggestion that money played a role in their disagreements, insisting that he never held any financial discussions with the senator or Obi.
“He talked about money. I was surprised,” he said.
“You know why? I, Kenneth Okonkwo, have never had any meeting with Victor Umeh, where money was discussed.”
The actor-turned politician has been critical of Obi’s political decisions in recent months following their fallout after the 2023 elections.
