After Dumping APC, Actor Kenneth Okonkwo Says He Is Now ‘Obicentric’

In what seems to be an endorsement of the Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Nollywood actor Kenneth Okonkwo says that he is now ‘Obicentric’.

The actor who spoke in an interview with Arise TV also knocked those criticising the actions of Peter Obi supporters on social media.

Okonkwo argued that internet sensationalism started with the APC in 2015 prior to President Muhammadu Buhari’s assumption of office.

“When APC was campaigning in 2015, they were the originators of internet sensationalism. So why are they crying if it (Peter Obi’s internet fandom) is not making any impact?” the actor asked.

“When I read business administration, they tell me that the strategy of marketing starts with drawing attention. And [Obi’s people] are doing it effectively well.”

On where his support lies ahead of the 2023 elections, Okonkwo described himself as “Obi-centric.”

“I’m not contemplating [on joining] any party yet. A northern friend from Kano told me to join the Obi movement. This is a northern Muslim talking. Saying northern Muslims won’t support Christians is a false statement,” he said.

“That is the problem with bringing Octogeneraians to manage your party and the affairs of government. I’m Obi-centric but I’ve not joined any party. It’s the ticket that gave me the youthful energy needed to change Nigeria.”

Okonkwo who was a member of the All Progressives Congress dumped the party on Wednesday following APC’s decision to present a Muslim Muslim ticket for the 2023 general election.

Part of his resignation letter read, “Recall that joined APC because of its Constitutional vow, as true Progressives and Patriots, to eliminate all forms of discrimination and social injustice in Nigeria, thereby building the nation a nation which will guarantee equal opportunity for all and ensure mutual and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

“Those ideals are now alien to the APC, with their unfortunate decision to paint our Muslim brothers in had light, by insinuating that the Muslims in Nigeria will not accept or vote for a Northern Christian as Vice-President to pair with a Southern Muslim.

“If Muslims could vote voluntarily for Southern Christian Presidents, it is then a fallacy to insinuate that they cannot accept a Northern Christian Vice-President. This will permanently destroy the political viability of Northern Christians in Nigeria, if allowed to stand.

The party’s presidential flagbeaerer Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced former Borno state governor Kassim Shettima as his running mate. This has since generated lots of controversy