Politics
2027: Okonkwo Challenges Obi Over Makinde Endorsement
Okonkwo then directly challenged Obi over his support for Makinde, asking why he would continue with his own presidential bid if he believed the Oyo governor was qualified for the position.
Kenneth Okonkwo has questioned Peter Obi’s decision to attend the launch of Seyi Makinde’s presidential campaign office while pursuing his own presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 election.
Okonkwo, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, said Obi should have backed Makinde if he truly considered the Oyo State governor qualified to become president.
He made the comments on Arise TV’s Day Break on Tuesday while discussing reports of a possible political understanding between Obi and Makinde ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
Makinde, who is running for president under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), officially opened his campaign office in Abuja on Monday. Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), attended the event and described Makinde as qualified to contest for the presidency.
Reacting to the development, Okonkwo said Obi’s attendance should not necessarily be viewed as a sign that the two politicians had entered into a formal political alliance.
“I wish I can help you to say it, could be that Peter Obi is offering any alliance, but unfortunately, being very honest, I can’t say it,” he said.
Okonkwo also recalled Obi’s previous association with the ADC, alleging that the former Labour Party presidential candidate had indicated interest in an alliance with the party before leaving shortly before its presidential primary.
“Peter Obi was in ADC and offered to be in alliance with ADC, and he ran away almost like one week to the primary,” Okonkwo said.
He further made a sarcastic remark about Obi’s frequent attendance at public events, saying his presence at Makinde’s campaign office launch was not enough to establish a political partnership.
“Even if you invite him for naming ceremony or for wedding ceremony, he will still be there, waving at the crowd, even if there is no crowd, he’ll wave at trees,” he said.
“So, I cannot say particularly whether his being there offers any meaningful alliance.”
Okonkwo then directly challenged Obi over his support for Makinde, asking why he would continue with his own presidential bid if he believed the Oyo governor was qualified for the position.
“Why am I saying that? If you believe that Seyi Makinde is qualified, why didn’t you support him?” he asked.
He further questioned Obi’s decision to pursue the presidency through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Why go to INEC? Why deceive your followers you want to contest for president? Why don’t you, from day one, team up an alliance and it will be consolidated?”, he asked.
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