From Criticism to Commendation, Kenneth Okonkwo Sparks Debate by Praising Atiku Days After Slamming Peter Obi [VIDEO]

 

A fresh wave of political discourse is sweeping through Nigeria following the latest statements made by veteran actor turned politician, Kenneth Okonkwo. Just a week after sharply criticising Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Okonkwo has now drawn public attention with a new interview where he lavished praise on Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the same election.

Appearing on Channels Television, Okonkwo made remarks that have set social media and political circles buzzing. He praised Atiku Abubakar’s experience and economic vision, suggesting that a presidency under the former vice president could steer Nigeria back to the financial stability of the Obasanjo era. According to him, Atiku’s leadership qualities and strategic political alliances give him a unique edge in solving Nigeria’s current economic challenges.

Kenneth Okonkwo, who was once a prominent spokesperson for the Labour Party during the 2023 elections, has now distanced himself from Peter Obi’s leadership style. In his earlier interview, he openly condemned Obi for what he described as poor leadership, lack of coordination within the Labour Party, and a failure to build strategic alliances that could have bolstered his presidential campaign.

In his latest appearance, the tone was markedly different. Okonkwo pointed to Atiku’s role in helping Nigeria clear its foreign debt during his time as vice president under Olusegun Obasanjo. He emphasized that such economic credentials should not be dismissed, especially when the nation is currently battling significant fiscal challenges.

“What Atiku did under the Obasanjo administration was historic. He was part of the economic team that saw Nigeria free itself from the crippling burden of international debt. That kind of legacy should count for something today,” Okonkwo stated during the interview.

He further argued that Atiku had demonstrated a capacity for building consensus across party lines, a skill he believes is essential in Nigeria’s increasingly fragmented political landscape. According to Okonkwo, this ability sets Atiku apart as someone capable of uniting diverse political interests and driving development-oriented governance.

His comments have triggered widespread reactions, particularly from supporters of both Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar. Many have taken to social media to express shock at the apparent political shift by a man who, less than a year ago, was one of the most vocal proponents of the Obi campaign.

Some political analysts see Okonkwo’s statements as a strategic repositioning. They suggest that the actor-turned-politician may be eyeing new political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections. Others argue that his latest remarks are merely reflective of growing internal dissatisfaction within the Labour Party ranks.

Okonkwo, however, dismissed any claims of personal political ambition influencing his recent comments. He maintained that his views are driven solely by what he believes is best for the country’s future. “I speak as a Nigerian who wants to see this nation work. My loyalty is to progress, not personalities,” he said.

Critics have not been as charitable. Some have accused him of political opportunism, pointing out the irony of his transition from Obi’s staunch defender to Atiku’s newfound admirer. Labour Party loyalists have especially taken offense, accusing him of betraying the cause and undermining the party’s long-term prospects.

The PDP camp, on the other hand, has welcomed Okonkwo’s remarks, hailing them as a sign that even former critics are beginning to acknowledge the leadership qualities of their candidate. A party spokesperson, reacting to the development, said that Kenneth Okonkwo’s public endorsement of Atiku’s economic vision only confirms what they have been saying all along.

As the dust settles on this latest round of political commentary, it is clear that Kenneth Okonkwo remains a figure capable of stirring the waters. His voice, once aligned with the most energetic political movement of 2023, is now advocating for a different vision of leadership. Whether this shift will lead to broader political consequences remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — the Nigerian political arena has gained yet another talking point.

Kenneth Okonkwo is trending in Nigeria because one week after the actor turned politician and former Labour Party presidential spokesperson, granted an interview where he severely criticised the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi, for poor leadership, Kenneth… pic.twitter.com/rKUrENb4MM

— Why It Is Trending (@trendingblog247) June 22, 2025