NEWS
War of Words Erupts Between Senator Victor Umeh and Kenneth Okonkwo Over Peter Obi, Igbo Presidency
A fresh political controversy has erupted within the opposition circle as the Senator representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh, and Nollywood actor-turned-politician, Kenneth Okonkwo exchanged sharp words over the political future of Peter Obi and the direction of Igbo politics ahead of future elections.
Speaking during a political discussion, Senator Umeh openly criticized Kenneth Okonkwo for his recent attacks on Peter Obi, revealing that he had previously warned the actor against taking such a path.
“The other day, I saw Kenneth Okonkwo Was Busy Raining Curses On Peter Obi,” Umeh said.
The senator disclosed that he had held private discussions with Okonkwo in the past and cautioned him about distancing himself from Obi politically.
“I Had Private Discussions With Him last year And Warned Him Not To Do What He Is Currently Doing, Because He Would Regret It, But He Said He Would Never Work With Peter Obi Again Over His Dead Body,” he stated.
Umeh also defended Peter Obi’s leadership style, particularly allegations that the former Labour Party presidential candidate does not spend money freely on political associates.
“He said; how can you be there, things he is supposed to release money for us to do, he won’t release money. But since he has not been giving money, has his acceptability diminished? It has not, because people know him as someone who will do the right thing,” Umeh said.
Drawing comparisons, the senator praised Obi’s prudence and financial discipline.
“He will spend money wisely and justly. If it’s something I Victor Umeh will spend ₦5m to do, Obi will spend ₦500,000 to do it because he will manage it,” he added.
According to Umeh, Peter Obi remains a unique figure in Nigerian politics because of his refusal to embrace vote-buying or transactional politics.
“Well, Peter Obi Is a Different Kind Of Politician. I Have Worked With Him For Years, And He Will Never Give You Money To Vote For Him.”
“Peter Obi Has Said He Will Never Engage In Transactional Politics Or Use Money To Buy Positions To Serve The People, That’s Why They’re Against Him,” he concluded.
However, Kenneth Okonkwo swiftly fired back at the senator, rejecting claims that their disagreements were rooted in money and accusing Victor Umeh of political hypocrisy.
Responding to the allegations, Okonkwo claimed that Umeh had once advocated for Peter Obi to settle for a vice-presidential slot under former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in alliance with northern political interests.
“Even when we were all entering the ADC, Victor Umeh said and spoke to me directly and made it clear that the only chance the Igbo people have is to align with the North, and for our brother, Peter Obi, to become Vice President to Atiku Abubakar,” Okonkwo alleged.
He further claimed that Umeh described Peter Obi as “stubborn” during their discussions.
“I told him, have you said this to Peter Obi? He said yes but Obi is very stubborn, if you tell him anything, he will not but we will continue to try,” Okonkwo said.
The actor-turned-politician also denied ever discussing financial matters with Victor Umeh, insisting that he has never depended on politicians for money throughout his life.
“This same Victor Umeh, anytime he sees me, he looks away, he himself confirmed we had a private discussion, he talked about money, I am very surprised, you know why? I, Kenneth Okonkwo have never had any meeting with them about money,” he stated.
Okonkwo went further to recount his success in Nollywood, saying he achieved financial independence at an early age through acting.
“To the glory of God, not by my own power or might, since I was born I have never lacked anything,” he said, while recalling his early fame in Nollywood and his role in the classic movie “Andy Okeke.”
In a strongly worded attack, Okonkwo criticized Umeh personally, questioning his political consistency and recalling past disagreements between the senator and Peter Obi during their days in the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
“This man was the National Chairman of APGA and I tell you if there is one person he loathes, he detests, it’s Peter Obi,” Okonkwo alleged.
He further claimed that Victor Umeh once placed political curses on Peter Obi during internal party conflicts involving the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
“He placed a curse on Peter Obi never to find peace politically until he returns to APGA, for betraying Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu. Now, he follows him everywhere,” Okonkwo declared.
The exchange has since sparked reactions across political circles and social media, with supporters of both men debating the future of opposition politics, Peter Obi’s influence, and the broader conversation around Igbo political unity ahead of the 2027 elections.