2027: They want to stop Atiku because he wants to make life better — Okonkwo
Efforts to Revive Allegations Against Atiku Abubakar Part of Political Maneuvering, Says Spokesperson
By Sekinat Osundiji
Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, has claimed that recent attempts to resurrect old allegations against the former vice president are intended to hinder his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election.
Okonkwo, a lawyer and representative of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made these remarks during a segment on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday. His comments come in response to intensified scrutiny surrounding Abubakar’s past dealings in the United States, particularly allegations connected to former Congressman William Jefferson and investigations that date back to 2005 and 2006.
He characterized the renewed allegations as politically motivated and maintained that prior investigations did not substantiate claims that Abubakar sought or received a bribe from Jefferson. “Atiku Abubakar was completely exonerated,” Okonkwo asserted.
Okonkwo raised questions regarding the timing of the renewed attention to these allegations, suggesting a pattern wherein such claims resurface during election cycles. He criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its ongoing interest in the matter, alleging that its actions could disrupt the electoral landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Every election year we’ll come back to the bars,” he said. “But again, is this capable of rubbing off the gains that he’d likely get at the polls? No, it will not.”
The ADC spokesperson further contended that there were political motives behind attempts to derail Abubakar’s involvement in the presidential race. “The only reason they want to stop Atiku Abubakar is because he wants to come and make life better and pleasurable for Nigerians,” he added.
Regarding the electoral contest with President Bola Tinubu, Okonkwo stated that Abubakar is open to participating in a public debate ahead of the election. “Atiku has challenged Tinubu to a debate. Officially, that statement was even signed by me,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of allowing Nigerians to hear from all leading presidential candidates on their policies and proposals.
Okonkwo also defended Abubakar’s role within the opposition coalition, which has united notable figures, including Abubakar and Peter Obi, under the ADC platform. He differentiated the investigations into Atiku from questions about Tinubu’s eligibility, arguing that the use of law enforcement against political figures was inappropriate compared to judicial challenges regarding candidacy qualifications.
“It should embarrass you, and embarrass me as Nigerians, that we have a president who, in his own defense, said that they should not let us know who he is,” he remarked, affirming that Nigerians have the right to scrutinize the educational backgrounds and qualifications of presidential candidates before the upcoming election.
“These are two different things,” he concluded, rejecting any equivalence between Abubakar’s legal disputes and the allegations being investigated against him.
This coverage comes as the ADC continues to prepare for the 2027 presidential race while navigating ongoing political tensions.
