Africa
Kenneth Okonkwo’s Descent into Delusion: A Case of Desperation and Hypocrisy -By Jeff Okoroafor
True allies hold leaders accountable with facts, not emotional tantrums. If Kenneth Okonkwo wants to be taken seriously, he should return to issue-based criticism—not desperate, hypocritical rants that only help the APC. Otherwise, history will remember him not as a revolutionary, but as a turncoat who lost his way.
In recent weeks, Nollywood actor-turned-political commentator Kenneth Okonkwo has taken to social media and television platforms to launch scathing attacks against Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate. His latest accusation—that Peter Obi has “betrayed” him and the Obidient movement—reeks of desperation, inconsistency, and a troubling lack of self-awareness. Worse still, Kenneth Okonkwo’s rhetoric increasingly mirrors the very hypocrisy he once condemned in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A closer examination of Kenneth Okonkwo’s political trajectory reveals a man whose loyalty shifts with the wind, whose arguments lack empirical grounding, and whose recent outbursts suggest either delusion or a hidden agenda against Peter Obi.
Kenneth Okonkwo was one of the most vocal supporters of Peter Obi during the 2023 elections. He positioned himself as a chief defender of the Obidient movement, frequently appearing on TV to attack the APC and defend Peter Obi’s policies. Fast forward to 2024, and Kennth Okonkwo now accuses Peter Obi of betrayal—a claim that collapses under scrutiny.
What exactly is Peter Obi’s alleged “betrayal”? Kenneth Okonkwo claims that Peter Obi didn’t do enough to “reclaim his mandate” in court. But this argument ignores reality: Peter Obi pursued his case to the Supreme Court, exhausting all legal avenues. Does Kenneth Okonkwo expect Peter Obi to stage a coup? His criticism is not just unfair—it’s irrational.
Moreover, Kenneth Okonkwo’s sudden shift raises questions about his motives. Is he genuinely concerned about the movement, or is he frustrated that his own political relevance is fading? His recent tone echoes the same baseless accusations that APC propagandists use to discredit opposition figures.
Kenneth Okonkwo’s accusations against Peter Obi do not hold up to scrutiny. First, his claim that “Peter Obi is not fighting hard enough” ignores the fact that Obi challenged the election results up to the Supreme Court. What more does Okonkwo expect? Does he want Obi to take up arms? His criticism suggests either a misunderstanding of Nigeria’s legal system or a deliberate attempt to paint Obi as weak.
Second, Kenneth Okonkwo’s assertion that “Obi is not speaking out enough against Tinubu’s government” is demonstrably false. Obi has consistently criticized Tinubu’s policies, from the disastrous fuel subsidy removal to the falling value of the naira. Okonkwo’s selective amnesia is telling.
Third, his complaint that “the Obidient movement is leaderless” reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of how grassroots movements function. Movements are not cults—they don’t require a single dictator. The Obidient movement thrives on collective action, not blind loyalty to one man. Okonkwo’s demand for Peter Obi to “control” the movement suggests he misunderstands its organic nature.
What makes Kenneth Okonkwo’s attacks particularly galling is their resemblance to APC tactics. Like the APC, which blamed the PDP for 16 years while failing in its own promises, Okonkwo now blames Obi for not single-handedly fixing Nigeria’s problems—despite not being in power.
Additionally, Okonkwo employs the same emotional blackmail tactics used by APC loyalists, who often attack critics by questioning their patriotism. He now does the same, implying that Obi’s supporters are “blind followers.” Worse, like APC propagandists, Okonkwo offers no constructive alternative—just complaints.
His recent alliances raise further eyebrows. He has been spotted cozying up to known APC sympathizers, leading many to wonder if his sudden vitriol is part of a larger smear campaign against Peter Obi.
Given his erratic behavior, one must ask: Is Kenneth Okonkwo truly an Obidient, or is he a wolf in sheep’s clothing? His sudden flip-flops after years of defending Obi suggest either personal frustration or external influence. His rhetoric increasingly aligns with anti-Obi narratives pushed by APC media. Some speculate Okonkwo is angling for political relevance, using controversy to stay in the spotlight.
If Kenneth Okonkwo truly cared about good governance, he would focus on policy critiques—not personal attacks on Obi. Instead, he sounds more like a man bitter about his own fading influence.
Kenneth Okonkwo’s recent outbursts against Peter Obi are not just misguided—they are dangerous. By parroting APC-style propaganda, he risks dividing the Obidient movement and weakening opposition to Tinubu’s failing government.
True allies hold leaders accountable with facts, not emotional tantrums. If Kenneth Okonkwo wants to be taken seriously, he should return to issue-based criticism—not desperate, hypocritical rants that only help the APC. Otherwise, history will remember him not as a revolutionary, but as a turncoat who lost his way.
Jeff Okoroafor
Jeff Okoroafor is a social accountability advocate and a political commentator focused on governance, accountability, and social justice in West Africa.
