Peter Obi’s Former Spokesperson Accuses Him of Self-Interest and Neglecting Igbo Agenda
Speaking during a political discussion on the ongoing coalition realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, Okonkwo claimed that throughout negotiations within the opposition alliance, he never sat in the same room with Obi. He alleged that the former Anambra governor eventually left the coalition with loyalists whose political careers he intended to control.
According to Okonkwo, Obi’s decision to allegedly support a single four-year presidential term revealed that he lacked genuine commitment to the long-term political aspirations of the Southeast.
He argued that since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, no Igbo politician has democratically served as executive president for a full tenure. He insisted that any president of Igbo extraction should strategically aim for two terms in office.
“Anytime any person from Igbo extraction comes into that post, he should do eight years,” Okonkwo declared, stressing that political alliances should be structured to guarantee long-term representation and stability for the Southeast.
The actor-turned-politician maintained that a four-year arrangement would not provide enough time for meaningful national reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation, especially considering the historical grievances of the Southeast after the Nigerian Civil War.
Okonkwo also accused Obi of failing to defend Igbo interests during the aftermath of the 2023 elections, particularly in Lagos, where he alleged that many businesses and properties belonging to Igbos were targeted.
He referenced incidents involving the demolition of buildings and attacks on traders, claiming Obi remained largely silent during the crisis. According to him, while Obi publicly reacted when properties allegedly linked to him were affected, he did not show the same level of concern for ordinary Igbo residents facing similar situations.
“From where I come from, we are looking for men of valor to lead us, not men of victim mentality,” Okonkwo said.
The former Labour Party chieftain further criticized Obi’s political legacy, accusing him of failing to build a strong political structure or mentor younger politicians during and after his tenure as governor of Anambra State.
Drawing comparisons with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Okonkwo argued that Tinubu invested in grooming political allies who later became influential figures across Nigeria’s political landscape.
“Tinubu made a lot of politicians and groomed them. Obi built nobody,” he stated.
He also linked his criticism to the traditional Igbo apprenticeship system, arguing that leadership within Igbo culture is rooted in mentorship, empowerment, and community advancement. Okonkwo said true leadership requires selflessness and commitment to collective progress rather than personal ambition.
The former campaign spokesperson emphasized that his political decisions are guided by three major considerations: good governance for Nigeria, empowerment of youths and women, and protection of Igbo interests. He insisted that he has never prioritized financial gains in political negotiations.
In his concluding remarks, Okonkwo advised Obi to reconsider any future presidential ambition if he was unwilling to confront political challenges directly.
“When he says he runs away from challenges, my advice to him is: please keep running, and also run away from contesting in 2027, because challenges will follow you anywhere you go,” he said.
The remarks are expected to further deepen divisions among opposition figures and supporters ahead of the intensifying political contest leading to the 2027 presidential election.
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