Some disputes have erupted within Nigeria’s opposition coalition after a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Kenneth Okonkwo, openly accused former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of leaving the ADC because he was afraid to take part in what he called a free and fair primary election.
Okonkwo during an interview on Arise TV on Wednesday made this allegation. He reacted to Obi’s sudden exit from the ADC and his move to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.
This development has garnered attention and raised questions over the future of opposition unity ahead of the 2027 general election.
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Obi had announced his resignation from the ADC on May 3, saying the party was battling legal cases, internal battles, and adding that the political space had become increasingly toxic.
But Okonkwo, who was once one of Obi’s strongest political allies, said Obi’s explanation was not the truth.
According to him, Obi did not leave because of any internal crises, but because he could not face an open, fair contest.
Speaking on the matter, Okonkwo said he had seen Obi’s exit coming long before it happened.
He said, “When I said I was not going to speak for him again, I said I will not speak for a man that I do not understand his position on important national issues. I said I will not speak for a man who, even if Nigerians give him their vote, does not have what it takes to secure his own victory.”
He insisted Obi’s exit would not affect the coalition in any way.
He declared, “The coalition will not be affected in any way.”
Okonkwo then went deeper, accusing Obi of having what he called a long history of avoiding competitive internal elections.
He said, “Let me reveal one secret to you. The first day I was consulted in this coalition, even before the unveiling, they asked me about the possibility of ADC performing in the South-East. I told them plainly, do not build anything on Peter Obi because he is not going to contest under ADC because he will eventually leave.”
Okonkwo added, “Why was I so sure? Because he is a man that has morbid fear for primary election. He has never been in one and he will not be in one until he finishes his political career.”
He also claimed that Obi and his camp were given major influence within the ADC structure ahead of the planned primary.
According to him, Obi allegedly requested to nominate the party’s National Organising Secretary and also asked that his allies oversee the electronic registration process for party members.
Okonkwo said those requests were granted. He then made his strongest accusation.
He said, “That was why you did not hear him say this primary is dollarised or monetised, because he was to be the one to organise the primary. Yet he was still afraid of free and fair election. So he is a man who is afraid of free and fair primary election. So he left.”
The ADC has admitted that Obi’s exit is a setback, though party leaders insist it is not a fatal blow to its 2027 plans.
