Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has described the renewed allegations of corruption against the former vice-president as politically motivated.
Okonkwo made the statement while reacting to the resurfacing of corruption-related allegations involving Atiku, amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The ADC chieftain argued that the timing of the allegations was significant, particularly as Atiku has emerged as a leading opposition figure seeking to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next presidential contest.
According to Okonkwo, attempts to revive old allegations against Atiku are aimed at damaging his reputation and weakening his political influence ahead of the election.
He maintained that the allegations should be subjected to proper legal and evidentiary scrutiny rather than being repeatedly raised for political purposes.
Okonkwo’s comments come as political parties and opposition groups intensify their activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku, who previously contested the presidency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is now seeking the presidency on the platform of the ADC.
The former vice-president has become a prominent figure in the opposition coalition, with his supporters positioning him as a major challenger to the Tinubu administration.
The renewed controversy surrounding allegations against Atiku is therefore likely to attract further political debate as the election approaches.
Okonkwo has consistently defended Atiku against allegations that could affect his political standing, arguing that his principal’s record should be assessed on the basis of verifiable facts.
He also accused political opponents of attempting to divert attention from issues affecting Nigerians, including the economy, security and the rising cost of living.
The allegations against Atiku have previously featured in Nigeria’s political discourse, particularly during earlier presidential campaigns. However, the latest debate has emerged in a new political environment, with Atiku now operating from the ADC and preparing for another presidential contest.
The ADC has been positioning itself as a platform capable of bringing together opposition politicians and challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
For Atiku’s camp, the renewed allegations represent part of the wider political contest surrounding the opposition candidate and his ambition to return to the presidential race.
Okonkwo’s response suggests that the Atiku campaign intends to challenge allegations it considers politically motivated while keeping attention focused on the issues it believes should dominate the 2027 election.
As political activities gather momentum, more allegations and counter-allegations are expected to emerge from rival political camps.
The controversy also highlights the increasingly competitive nature of the 2027 presidential contest, with leading political figures already engaging in public exchanges over their records, policies and credibility.
For now, Atiku’s camp has rejected the renewed corruption allegations and maintained that they are politically motivated.
