ADC chieftain and lawyer Kenneth Okonkwo has revealed details of a private conversation he reportedly had with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, during which Atiku allegedly praised his integrity and described him as a rare figure in Nigerian politics.…....
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Okonkwo said the former vice president made the remarks after observing criticisms and allegations directed at him by some supporters of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi.
According to Okonkwo, some supporters had accused him of being financially influenced or compromised politically, allegations he strongly denied during the interview.
“The last time I was with Atiku, he looked at me and he said, ‘Your type is rare.’ And I was like, how do you know that? He said some other things to me. And you know why he said it? He saw that everybody from the toxic Obi followers was saying he has dollarized me, he has monetized me. And he knows we have never discussed anything about money,” Okonkwo stated.
The former Labour Party spokesperson argued that the attacks from some Obi supporters were producing the opposite effect of what was intended. According to him, rather than damaging his reputation, the criticisms were strengthening the confidence some senior political figures have in his character because they are aware of the true nature of his interactions and discussions behind closed doors.
Okonkwo maintained that the accusations suggesting he had been financially influenced were false and misleading. He insisted that political leaders involved in the discussions know exactly what conversations took place and can confirm that issues relating to money were never discussed.
His remarks have since generated conversations across social media platforms, with supporters and critics debating the growing political disagreements among opposition figures and their supporters ahead of future elections.
Political observers say the comments further highlight tensions within sections of the opposition movement, especially among individuals who were previously aligned during the 2023 election cycle but now appear to hold differing political positions and strategies ahead of 2027.
