Kenneth Okonkwo has argued that votes cast for Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election would ultimately benefit President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking in an interview with Symfoni Media, the ADC chieftain said Obi’s decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) weakened opposition efforts to build a united front against the ruling APC.
Obi had exited the ADC and subsequently emerged as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Okonkwo said a divided opposition would only improve Tinubu’s chances of securing re-election.
“The reason I said it is that either you’re working for Tinubu directly, in other words you’re in APC, or you’re working for Tinubu indirectly,” he said.
“Because when you divide the votes of the coalition and the opposition, you’re still making Tinubu better placed to win.”
The former Labour Party spokesman criticised Obi’s decision to leave the ADC shortly before the conclusion of the party’s primary process.
“Nobody forced you, Peter Obi, to enter into ADC,” he said.
“You entered on your own, and one week to the end of the closure of the time, you left.”
Okonkwo also faulted Obi’s explanation for leaving the party, claiming the former Anambra governor was unwilling to test his popularity through a primary election.
“What reason did you give?” he asked.
“You can’t compete in a primary and you want to be a politician, and you can’t compete in a primary.”
“You want to be the president of a challenged country, and you’re running away from challenges.”
The actor-turned-politician maintained that Obi’s candidacy would split opposition votes and aid the APC.
“Let me tell you the truth,” he said.
“In 2027, anybody voting any vote whatsoever for Peter Obi, you’re voting for Tinubu.”
“And don’t say that I didn’t tell you.”