Former Labour Party spokesperson and newly appointed spokesperson to Atiku Abubakar, Kenneth Okonkwo, has explained why he parted ways with Peter Obi, saying the former Anambra governor lacks the decisiveness needed to lead Nigeria.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Okonkwo revealed that he publicly stopped speaking for Obi in July 2024 after concluding that the former Labour Party presidential candidate was not decisive enough to govern the country.
According to him, “I made it public in July that I wasn’t speaking for him anymore because he’s not decisive. I have seen certain qualities in him that will make him unfit to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Okonkwo contrasted Obi with Atiku Abubakar, claiming the former Vice President looked beyond his past criticisms and recognised his commitment to nation-building.
He said Atiku told those questioning his appointment: “I am looking at this young man, I am seeing the value in him and his tenacity to bring about a great Nigeria.” Okonkwo added that Atiku has a history of identifying and nurturing talent, citing figures such as Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Charles Soludo, and Nasir El-Rufai.
The remarks come barely a day after Okonkwo was unveiled as Atiku’s spokesperson ahead of the 2027 presidential election, further widening the political rift between him and his former principal, Peter Obi.
