Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo has criticised what he described as growing political intolerance among supporters of Peter Obi in the Southeast, accusing them of harassing politicians who choose to contest elections under different political parties.…....
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, the ADC chieftain expressed concern over the political atmosphere in the region, warning that such behaviour could discourage healthy democratic competition and unity among political stakeholders in Igbo land.
According to Okonkwo, politicians who decide to run on platforms outside Obi’s political movement are often subjected to insults and public ridicule by some supporters. He said individuals are frequently branded as “sellouts” or “betrayers” simply for aligning with another party.
“If you want to contest in Igbo land under another party, you will see Obi’s supporters embarrassing the person and abusing the person. They will say, ‘You are a sellout, you are a betrayer.’ Igbo people should not behave like that,” he stated.
Okonkwo compared the situation with political developments in the Southwest, noting that the Yoruba political class allows room for different political affiliations without intimidation. He referenced the Social Democratic Party’s history of fielding presidential candidates from the region while politicians from the Southwest continued to operate freely in other parties.
The former Labour Party spokesperson also cited the political approach of late nationalist leader Nnamdi Azikiwe during the 1979 elections. He explained that Azikiwe contested under the NPP without pressuring Alex Ekwueme to abandon the NPN.
According to Okonkwo, the spirit of tolerance and cooperation at the time helped the Southeast secure key national positions, including the vice presidency and the speakership of the House of Representatives.
