Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has questioned Peter Obi’s decision not to support Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambition despite describing him as qualified to become Nigeria’s president.
Okonkwo raised the question on Tuesday while reacting to Obi’s attendance at the inauguration of Makinde’s 2027 presidential campaign office in Abuja.
Makinde, who is seeking the presidency on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), inaugurated the campaign office on Monday, with Obi among the political figures present at the event.
Okonkwo said Obi’s presence at the event did not necessarily amount to an endorsement or indicate a political alliance between the two opposition figures.
He recalled that Obi had previously been associated with efforts to build an opposition alliance before eventually contesting the 2027 presidential election under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Okonkwo subsequently questioned why Obi would continue with his own presidential ambition if he genuinely believed Makinde was qualified to lead the country.
“If you believe that Seyi Makinde is qualified, why didn’t you support him?” Okonkwo asked.
He also questioned why Obi did not work with Makinde from the outset to build a joint presidential bid, rather than pursuing separate candidacies.
The comments followed Obi’s appearance at Makinde’s campaign office inauguration, where the former Anambra State governor described Makinde as qualified to contest the presidency.
Obi also called on Nigerians and political leaders to unite behind whoever emerges victorious from a free, fair and credible 2027 presidential election. He said political differences should not prevent opposition leaders from working together to address poverty, hunger and insecurity.
The two politicians are, however, currently seeking the presidency on separate platforms. Makinde is the APM presidential candidate, while Obi is the NDC presidential candidate. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is contesting under the ADC, while President Bola Tinubu is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okonkwo’s remarks come amid renewed efforts by opposition politicians to position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with questions over possible alliances and strategic cooperation expected to remain a major feature of the contest.
