African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo has accused Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi of avoiding free and competitive party primary elections.
Okonkwo made the allegation during an interview on Wednesday, he said Obi prefers political arrangements over open contests.
The ADC stalwart said Obi avoids internal party competition. He linked Obi’s recent political moves to that pattern.
He also said Obi left the ADC for reasons beyond ideology or internal party issues.
According to him, Obi does not want to face party primaries.
“Peter Obi is afraid of free and fair primary elections. His main reason is that he does not want to face the primary election,” Okonkwo said
Okonkwo also referred to Obi’s political history in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
He claimed Obi initially lost the party’s governorship primary. He said the outcome was later reversed through political or legal processes.
He argued that Obi has not consistently participated in competitive primaries.
Okonkwo insisted Obi has never fully engaged in open party contests.
He said this pattern would likely continue throughout Obi’s political career.
“He has never been in one, and he will not be in one until he finishes his political career,” he said
Obi ran for president in 2023 under the Labour Party. He remains a key figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics.
His supporters credit his popularity to grassroots appeal and governance record. However, critics continue to question his party politics strategy.
Okonkwo’s comments add to ongoing debates on internal democracy in Nigerian political parties.
Neither Obi nor his representatives have responded to the allegations at the time of this report.
