Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), over his attendance at the inauguration of the presidential campaign office of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in Abuja.
Okonkwo questioned the decision by Obi and other political figures to attend the event, which he described as primarily an affair of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). Okonkwo made the remarks during an interview on News Central while explaining why the ADC was not represented at the inauguration.
He said the event was organised as an APM affair and, therefore, did not require the presence of ADC leaders. According to him, the party’s decision not to attend was based on the nature of the event rather than any disagreement with Makinde or the individuals who participated in it.
The ADC spokesperson, however, took a swipe at Obi and other politicians who attended the event, suggesting that they were willing to attend virtually any gathering once they were invited. He made the remarks while mocking what he portrayed as the tendency of some politicians to appear at political events primarily to attract attention, regardless of the political platform hosting such gatherings.
Obi, who attended the inauguration, described Makinde as qualified to seek the presidency in the 2027 general election. The NDC candidate also said he was not interested in politics centred on quarrels and divisions, stressing that the forthcoming election should focus on issues affecting Nigerians and the need to address the country’s challenges.
The exchange comes amid increasing political realignments and consultations among opposition figures ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
While various opposition politicians continue to explore possible alliances and political partnerships, Okonkwo has repeatedly argued that opposition parties need to unite behind a single candidate to have a realistic chance of defeating President Bola Tinubu, further highlighting the growing political differences among the opposition camps.
