Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) of luring Peter Obi away from the opposition coalition.
Okonkwo described Obi’s move to the NDC as a political trap and argued that the former Anambra governor had abandoned a coalition arrangement that had previously positioned Atiku as its presidential candidate.
He made the remarks while discussing the opposition’s preparations for the 2027 election.
Okonkwo Says Obi Was ‘Lured’
According to Okonkwo, Obi was present when opposition politicians came together and agreed on a coalition arrangement around Atiku.
He alleged that Obi subsequently left the ADC arrangement and joined the NDC after being invited by the new political platform.
Okonkwo argued that the development ultimately worked against Obi’s political interests.
Disagreement Over Opposition Leadership
The comments highlight the deepening rivalry between political camps seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Atiku is contesting under the ADC, while Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso are now leading the NDC’s presidential and vice-presidential ticket.
Okonkwo maintains that Atiku remains the preferred opposition candidate following the coalition process.
NDC Position
The NDC camp has positioned Obi and Kwankwaso as the central figures in its own challenge to the APC.
Obi has continued to campaign under the NDC platform, while Kwankwaso has argued that the APC’s control of numerous states does not guarantee Tinubu’s victory in 2027.
The competing claims show how fractured Nigeria’s opposition landscape remains ahead of the election.