Kenneth Okonkwo Accuses Peter Obi of Betrayal, Praises Atiku Abubakar for Seeing His Value

Kenneth Okonkwo Accuses Peter Obi of Betrayal, Praises Atiku Abubakar for Seeing His Value

Kenneth Okonkwo says Peter Obi betrayed him while Atiku Abubakar recognized his worth, as the political battle ahead of the 2027 presidential election intensifies.

Nollywood actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo has launched a fresh attack on his former political ally, Peter Obi, accusing the former Labour Party presidential candidate of betrayal while praising former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for appreciating his leadership qualities and commitment to national development.

Okonkwo made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today, just a day after he was officially unveiled as the spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Kenneth Okonkwo: "Peter Obi Betrayed Me"

Speaking during the interview, Okonkwo insisted that his political relationship with Peter Obi ended in 2024 after he concluded that Obi lacked the decisiveness required to govern Nigeria effectively.

According to him, he openly announced his departure from Obi's camp to avoid misleading Nigerians into believing he still represented the former Anambra State governor.

Okonkwo maintained that he simply returned to his role as a public affairs analyst after leaving Obi's political team.

He further alleged that rather than remaining loyal to someone who had worked tirelessly during the 2023 presidential campaign, Peter Obi chose to pursue legal action against him.

«"He was the one who betrayed me," Okonkwo declared during the interview.»

Why Kenneth Okonkwo Chose Atiku Abubakar

The former Labour Party spokesperson contrasted Obi's actions with those of Atiku Abubakar, whom he described as a leader capable of recognizing talent regardless of previous disagreements.

According to Okonkwo, Atiku ignored past criticisms directed at him because he believed the actor-politician could contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's future.

He said Atiku focused on competence rather than personal attacks, adding that the former vice president viewed him as someone determined to help build a better Nigeria.

Atiku Praised as a "Talent Discoverer"

Okonkwo also described Atiku as one of Nigeria's greatest talent scouts, claiming the former vice president had helped identify and promote several influential public figures over the years.

Among those he mentioned were:

- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

- Professor Charles Soludo

- Nasir El-Rufai

According to Okonkwo, Atiku's ability to identify capable individuals demonstrates his commitment to assembling experienced people for national development.

Defamation Lawsuit Between Peter Obi and Kenneth Okonkwo

The political disagreement has now escalated into a legal battle.

Earlier in 2026, Kenneth Okonkwo publicly alleged that Peter Obi and others accepted bribes from House of Representatives aspirants.

Obi, through his legal team, denied the allegations and demanded:

- A public retraction

- A formal apology

- ₦5 billion in damages

After Okonkwo reportedly failed to comply within the stipulated period, Peter Obi filed a defamation suit before the Anambra State High Court sitting in Onitsha.

Okonkwo Rejects Defamation Allegations

Responding to questions about the lawsuit, Okonkwo denied defaming Obi.

He argued that his statements were based on information and documentary evidence available to him, insisting that he would present all relevant documents before the court when the case proceeds.

He further questioned why Obi allegedly chose to sue him while ignoring anonymous critics who had made similar or even harsher allegations online.

According to Okonkwo, the lawsuit is politically motivated and intended to silence him after their political separation.

Growing Political Tensions Ahead of 2027 Elections

Kenneth Okonkwo served as one of Peter Obi's prominent spokespersons during the 2023 presidential election campaign before publicly ending their political alliance in 2024.

Both politicians later became associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but Obi subsequently left the coalition to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), further widening the political divide between the former allies.

With Okonkwo now serving as Atiku Abubakar's spokesperson, political observers expect exchanges between both camps to intensify as preparations for the 2027 presidential election gather momentum.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did Kenneth Okonkwo leave Peter Obi?

Okonkwo said he left because he believed Peter Obi lacked the decisiveness needed to govern Nigeria effectively.

Why is Peter Obi suing Kenneth Okonkwo?

Obi filed a defamation lawsuit after Okonkwo allegedly accused him of collecting bribes from House of Representatives aspirants. Obi denied the allegations and is seeking damages.

What is Kenneth Okonkwo's new political role?

Kenneth Okonkwo has been appointed spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's 2027 presidential campaign under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Has Kenneth Okonkwo accepted wrongdoing?

No. Okonkwo denies defaming Peter Obi and insists he possesses documentary evidence to support his claims.

Conclusion

The public fallout between Kenneth Okonkwo and Peter Obi has evolved from political disagreement into a high-profile legal confrontation. With Okonkwo now standing firmly behind Atiku Abubakar's 2027 presidential ambition, the dispute is expected to remain one of Nigeria's most closely watched political stories as the next general election approaches.

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