Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that attempts to revive old corruption allegations against the former vice-president are politically motivated.
Okonkwo made the claim on Thursday while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, where he discussed renewed attention on Atiku’s dealings in the United States.
The controversy is linked to former US Congressman William Jefferson and investigations conducted in 2005 and 2006.
Okonkwo, a lawyer and former Labour Party spokesperson, rejected the allegations against Atiku, saying previous investigations failed to establish that he requested or received a bribe from Jefferson.
“Atiku Abubakar was completely exonerated,” he said.
He questioned why the issue was being raised again as the country approaches the 2027 presidential election. According to him, similar allegations have repeatedly resurfaced around election periods.
Okonkwo also criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its continued interest in the matter, arguing that it could affect the political process ahead of the election.
He said, “Every election year we’ll come back to the bars. But again, is this capable of rubbing off the gains that he’d likely get at the polls? No, it will not.”
The spokesperson alleged that political forces were behind the renewed efforts to prevent Atiku from contesting the presidency.
“The only reason they want to stop Atiku Abubakar is because he wants to come and make life better and pleasurable for Nigerians,” he said.
On the possibility of a debate between Atiku and President Bola Tinubu, Okonkwo said the ADC candidate was ready to publicly discuss their plans for Nigeria.
“Atiku has challenged Tinubu to a debate. Officially, that statement was even signed by me,” he said.
He said Nigerians should be given the opportunity to hear directly from the major presidential candidates about their plans and policies.
Okonkwo also defended Atiku’s role in the opposition movement, saying the ADC had provided a platform for leading opposition figures, including Atiku and Peter Obi, to work together.
He further argued that legal challenges over a candidate’s qualifications were different from using law enforcement agencies to investigate political opponents.
“It should embarrass you, and embarrass me as Nigerians, that we have a president that in his own defence said that they should not let us know who he is,” he said.
Okonkwo maintained that Nigerians had the right to question the educational qualifications and eligibility of anyone seeking to become president in 2027.
