Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has questioned Peter Obi’s support for Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, asking why Obi would not back Makinde’s presidential ambition if he believed the governor was qualified to lead Nigeria.
Okonkwo made the remark during an appearance on Arise TV’s Day Break on Tuesday while reacting to speculation about a possible political alliance between Obi and Makinde ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Makinde, who is seeking the presidency on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), inaugurated his presidential campaign office in Abuja on Monday. Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was among the political figures who attended the event.
Speaking at the ceremony, Obi described Makinde as qualified to contest for the presidency.
However, reacting to a question about what Atiku would offer that would distinguish his political platform from a possible collaboration between Obi and Makinde, Okonkwo said Obi’s presence at the event did not necessarily indicate a 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,” Okonkwo said.
He recalled that Obi had previously been linked with the ADC and was reportedly expected to pursue 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,” he said.
Okonkwo also dismissed the significance of Obi’s attendance at Makinde’s campaign office launch, saying the former Anambra State governor was known for attending public events.
“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.”
The ADC chieftain subsequently questioned why Obi would not support Makinde’s presidential bid if he genuinely considered the governor qualified to become president.
“Why am I saying that? If you believe that Seyi Makinde is qualified, why didn’t you support him?” Okonkwo asked.
“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.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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