Throwback clip shows Kenneth Okonkwo previously attacking Atiku Abubakar

A resurfaced interview from 2023 has cast a spotlight on actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo's past criticisms of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The clip emerged shortly after Abubakar appointed Okonkwo as his official spokesperson for the upcoming 2027 presidential election.

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Atiku has confessed that he used special purpose vehicles to create phoney companies for which he paid consultancy fees, and from which the consultancy fees were paid back to him.

In the viral Channels Television interview, Okonkwo, who was then a spokesperson for the Labour Party's presidential campaign, made strong accusations against Abubakar. He alleged that Abubakar had confessed to using "special purpose vehicles" to establish "phoney companies" and subsequently pay himself consultancy fees. Okonkwo stated, "He said it openly. His voice is there. Buhari is supposed to send him to jail."

Okonkwo also questioned Abubakar's suitability for the presidency, stating, "The two people that deserve prison, I don’t know what they are looking for in the presidency." He further criticized Abubakar's response to the Achimugu controversy, noting that Abubakar offered no defense when questioned by the BBC, reportedly saying, "We've passed over that."

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He said it openly. His voice is there. Buhari is supposed to send him to jail.

Despite these past remarks, Abubakar recently appointed Okonkwo as his spokesperson. Okonkwo took to his X page to express gratitude for the confidence placed in him, describing the appointment as a testament to Abubakar's leadership style, which he characterized as prioritizing dialogue over resentment.

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The two people that deserve prison, I don’t know what they are looking for in the presidency.

"Rather than pick offence against any of his associates for expressing genuine reservations over any action taken, HE AA always opts for dialogue and compromise that will engender solutions to problems," Okonkwo wrote. He also mentioned that discussions during meetings with Abubakar and African Democratic Congress leaders addressed concerns regarding the South-East's interests, despite challenges posed by the Electoral Act.

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Atiku was asked about the issue of Achimugu by the BBC. You know what he said? ‘We’ve passed over that.’ He offered no defence.