Former Labour Party presidential campaign spokesperson Kenneth Okonkwo has accused former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of betraying him, while praising former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for recognising his value despite his past criticisms.
Okonkwo made the remarks during an interview on Politics Today shortly after his appointment as spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
‘Peter Obi Betrayed Me’
The actor-turned-politician said he ended his relationship with Obi in 2024 after concluding that the former Labour Party presidential candidate lacked the qualities needed to lead Nigeria.
According to him, he publicly announced his decision so Nigerians would know he was no longer speaking on Obi’s behalf.
“I wasn’t speaking for him anymore because he’s not decisive. I’ve seen in him certain qualities that make him unfit to be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Okonkwo insisted that he moved on after leaving Obi’s camp.
“He was the one who betrayed me.”
Why He Chose Atiku
Okonkwo said Atiku looked beyond his previous criticisms and focused on what he could contribute to Nigeria.
He recalled that many people questioned Atiku over his decision to work with someone who had criticised him publicly.
However, he said the former vice president saw leadership qualities in him.
“I am looking at this young man, I am seeing the value in him and his tenacity to bring about a great Nigeria.”
He described Atiku as a leader who recognises talent and gives people opportunities based on their abilities rather than past disagreements.
Defamation Suit Deepens Rift
The disagreement between Obi and Okonkwo has also spilled into the courtroom.
Okonkwo had earlier alleged that Obi and others collected bribes from House of Representatives aspirants, an allegation Obi strongly denied.
Through his lawyers, Obi demanded a public apology, a retraction and damages, describing the claims as false and defamatory. After Okonkwo failed to comply, Obi filed a defamation suit at the Anambra State High Court in Onitsha in June 2026.
Okonkwo Defends His Position
Reacting to the lawsuit, Okonkwo argued that Atiku never took legal action against him despite the criticism he directed at the former vice president over the years.
“What Atiku Abubakar is looking at is not what you said about him… but what value are you bringing in?”
He also described the legal action filed by Obi as unnecessary, insisting that he merely exercised his right to express his views.
