Okonkwo made the remarks during a recent interview on Arise Television, where he discussed the evolving nature of opposition politics, internal party dynamics, and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections....WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
During the interview, the former Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson questioned the long-term political legacy of former presidential candidate Peter Obi, particularly in relation to mentorship and the development of emerging political leaders.
“Peter Obi has built nobody; BAT has made a lot of politicians, but Obi has built none,” Okonkwo stated while responding to questions about political influence and leadership development within Nigeria’s major political movements.
His comments referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, widely known by his initials “BAT,” whom Okonkwo cited as an example of a political figure who has produced and supported a broad network of politicians over the years.
According to Okonkwo, leadership should not be judged solely by the number of votes a politician can attract during elections, but also by the capacity to create opportunities for others, nurture younger politicians, and establish sustainable structures that continue to function beyond an individual’s personal ambition.
He argued that some political leaders in Nigeria have built extensive political networks by mentoring protégés who later went on to occupy influential positions in government, political parties, and public administration.
In contrast, Okonkwo suggested that Obi’s political influence has not yet translated into the development of a strong leadership pipeline capable of sustaining a wider political movement over time.
The ADC chieftain maintained that institutional development remains a crucial aspect of democratic growth, especially in a political environment where many parties struggle with continuity, internal cohesion, and succession planning.
According to him, parties that focus only on charismatic personalities without building strong internal systems often face instability once electoral momentum declines.
He also noted that opposition politics in Nigeria remains highly fluid as parties continue to reassess their structures and alliances ahead of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable for primaries and candidate nominations.
Okonkwo explained that many political actors are currently reviewing their strategies, leadership models, and coalition arrangements in preparation for the next election cycle.
Despite the wave of defections and shifting alliances within opposition circles, he insisted that the ADC remains committed to building a sustainable national platform capable of competing effectively in future elections.
He stated that the party’s focus goes beyond short-term electoral calculations and includes efforts to strengthen internal organisation, expand grassroots participation, and establish structures that can endure political transitions.
The former spokesperson further argued that as the 2027 elections draw closer, voters and political stakeholders are likely to pay greater attention to the depth of leadership structures created by political figures rather than relying solely on public popularity or campaign appeal.…READ / MORE…
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