Kenneth Okonkwo has attributed Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed’s recent criticism of Peter Obi to what he called a political identity crisis.
Okonkwo, a spokesperson for African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, made the comment Tuesday.
He spoke during an interview on Arise TV’s Daybreak programme.
His remarks followed Baba-Ahmed’s assessment of the leading contenders for the 2027 presidential election.
Baba-Ahmed had argued that none of the major contenders had the capacity to move Nigeria forward.
Okonkwo suggested that Baba-Ahmed’s experience with Obi in 2023 may have influenced his position.
He described the situation as a possible “post-political identity crisis.”
According to Okonkwo, several people entered the 2023 political movement with strong expectations.
They believed the movement could usher in a new political direction. He said the level of public support surrounding Obi’s campaign was unusual.
According to him, many participants joined because of what they could contribute.
He said the focus was largely on giving rather than receiving.
Okonkwo, however, said the political project eventually suffered setbacks.
He linked the disillusionment to what he described as Obi’s inability to manage Labour Party affairs.
The ADC spokesperson described this as evidence of political incompetence and incapacity.
He said supporters had provided resources for the political project. In return, he said, they expected effective leadership.
Okonkwo argued that the leadership expected by supporters was not delivered. He said this contributed to frustration among people involved in the movement.
The ADC spokesperson also recalled previous remarks attributed to Baba-Ahmed.
According to Okonkwo, Baba-Ahmed had said he could no longer do anything for Obi after the Labour Party experience.
Okonkwo interpreted the statement as a loss of confidence in the former Anambra State governor.
He stressed that he was present during the period being referenced.
Baba-Ahmed served as Obi’s running mate during the 2023 presidential election.
Their ticket contested under the Labour Party platform.
The political alliance attracted significant attention and support during the campaign.
Baba-Ahmed has now questioned the capacity of leading presidential contenders ahead of 2027.
He argued that some of those seeking the presidency were previously part of the political establishment.
According to him, that establishment contributed to the problems currently facing Nigeria.
The latest exchange adds another layer to the political debate surrounding the 2027 presidential election.
