Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has challenged Peter Obi to explain why he is not supporting Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambition if he genuinely believes the governor is qualified to lead Nigeria.
Okonkwo dismissed Obi’s attendance at Makinde’s campaign office inauguration as mere ceremony, saying: “Even if you invite him for naming ceremony, he will still be there, waving at the crowd.”
The Endorsement That Wasn’t
On Monday, Peter Obi attended the inauguration of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential campaign office in Abuja. He described Makinde as “qualified” to be Nigeria’s president.
The gesture was interpreted by some as a sign of opposition unity, a possible alliance, or at least a strategic nod.
But Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has asked a question that cuts to the heart of the matter: if Obi genuinely believes Makinde is qualified, why isn’t he supporting him?
A History of Hesitation
Okonkwo, speaking on Arise TV’s Daybreak programme on Tuesday, questioned whether Obi’s attendance at the event amounted to any meaningful 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 associated with the ADC before eventually leaving the party 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.
‘Even if You Invite Him for Naming Ceremony’
Okonkwo dismissed the significance of Obi’s attendance, arguing that his presence at political and social gatherings should not automatically be interpreted as an endorsement or alliance.
“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,” Okonkwo said.
He then posed the question that has been on many minds:
“Why am I saying that? If you believe that Seyi Makinde is qualified, why didn’t you support him?”
The Challenge
Okonkwo further challenged Obi to explain why he had gone ahead with his own presidential ambition rather than forming an alliance with Makinde from the outset.
“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.
A Lesson for Nigeria
Okonkwo’s question cuts to the heart of Nigerian politics: why do politicians who claim to believe in each other’s qualifications refuse to form alliances?
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Why do they insist on running separate campaigns, splitting the opposition vote, and handing victory to the incumbent?
The answer is as old as Nigerian politics itself: personal ambition trumps collective interest. T
he same politicians who speak of unity will never allow their own children to sacrifice their ambitions for the greater good.
Their families are protected.
For Nigeria, the lesson is clear: until opposition politicians are willing to set aside their personal ambitions for the sake of the nation, the ruling party will continue to win.
The same leaders who refuse to form alliances will never allow their own children to be denied power. But for the millions of Nigerians who are desperate for change, the cost of this political fragmentation is immeasurable.
Demand unity. Hold leaders accountable. And never forget that the future of Nigeria depends on the willingness of its leaders to put the nation first.