Throwback Video Shows Kenneth Okonkwo Attacking Atiku

A video from 2023 showing actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo making strong allegations against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has resurfaced online, attracting widespread attention following his recent appointment as Atiku’s spokesperson ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The clip, taken from an interview on Channels Television, has been widely shared across social media, with many users comparing Okonkwo’s past position on Atiku with his current role in the former vice president’s political camp.

At the time of the interview, Okonkwo was serving as a spokesperson for the Labour Party presidential campaign. During the programme, he accused Atiku of wrongdoing over allegations linked to consultancy payments and the use of special purpose vehicles. He argued that the allegations were serious enough to warrant legal action and questioned Atiku’s suitability to seek the nation’s highest office.

Okonkwo also criticised Atiku’s response to questions surrounding the Achimugu controversy. He argued that the former vice president failed to provide a convincing explanation when the issue was raised during an interview with the BBC. According to him, Atiku chose not to defend himself against the allegations and instead dismissed the matter without addressing it directly.

The old interview returned to public attention only weeks after Atiku appointed Okonkwo as his official spokesperson for the 2027 presidential campaign under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Following the appointment, Okonkwo announced the development on his X account, where he expressed gratitude to Atiku for the opportunity and described the appointment as a privilege.

He also said the former vice president had shown a willingness to engage with associates through dialogue whenever disagreements arose instead of allowing political differences to create lasting divisions.

Okonkwo further disclosed that discussions held with Atiku and leaders of the African Democratic Congress included concerns about the political interests of the South-East. According to him, those issues were considered during their meetings despite challenges arising from the Electoral Act 2026.

His appointment came after a period of disagreement within the ADC over the selection of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 election.

Before accepting his new role, Okonkwo had openly criticised the choice of Amaechi, arguing that it denied the South-East another opportunity to occupy either the office of President or Vice President since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.

The resurfaced video has continued to generate discussion online, with many social media users pointing to the contrast between Okonkwo’s previous criticisms of Atiku and his current position as the former vice president’s spokesman.

The development has added another layer to the political conversations surrounding preparations for the 2027 general election, as supporters and critics continue to debate changing political alliances and the evolving relationships among key political figures.