A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has stated that the party anticipated Peter Obi’s eventual departure, attributing it to what he described as an aversion to internal democratic processes.
Speaking during an interview from 7:02 on Arise Television on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Okonkwo alleged that Obi’s entry into the ADC was accompanied by concerns regarding his approach to party primaries and internal structures. “So when he came into ADC with his normal toxic followers, with their own penchant of not wanting democracy at the primary level or at the secondary level, obviously, I knew he was going to go,” he said.
Okonkwo disclosed that during early consultations surrounding coalition discussions, he had expressed reservations about relying on Obi for political projections in the Southeast.
“Let me reveal one secret to you. The first day I was consulted in this coalition, and that was before the unveiling, they asked me, so how is the possibility of ADC performing in the Southeast? I told them plainly and straight away, don’t build anything on Peter Obi. Because he’s not going to contest under ADC, because he will eventually leave,” he stated.
He explained that his position was based on what he described as Obi’s reluctance to participate in primary elections. “Why was I so sure? Because he’s 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,” Okonkwo said.
He further referenced Obi’s early political experience within the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), citing a primary election outcome as part of his argument.
“He became a governor. He entered into primary election. He failed and lost to Ralph Nwosu in APGA. And then, he still managed to find the leaders to cancel that primary, and they still gave him the ticket. That was how he became governor,” he added.
Okonkwo maintained that Obi’s explanation for leaving the ADC was not consistent with his actual motivations. “And so, when he gave the reason of challenges, of course, he lied, because his main reason is that he does not want to face the primary election,” he said.
He concluded by stating that the ADC was prepared to address internal democratic issues publicly. “And let me tell you another thing, because ADC was fully prepared to convince the whole world that Peter Obi is not interested in democracy,” Okonkwo added…Read_More…