Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent figure within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has revealed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar personally lauded his integrity during a private meeting, highlighting the rarity of principled conduct in Nigerian politics.
Speaking in an interview with Channels TV, Okonkwo recounted the encounter with Atiku, describing a moment of genuine recognition. “The last time I was with Atiku, he looked at me and said, ‘Your type is rare.’ I was taken aback and wondered how he knew that,” Okonkwo said. He added that Atiku followed up with additional remarks underscoring his appreciation for honesty and ethical behavior in a political landscape often criticized for opportunism.
Okonkwo attributed Atiku’s praise to the ongoing criticism he has faced from supporters of Peter Obi. In recent weeks, some of Obi’s followers have accused him of being financially influenced or “monetized” by political interests, a claim Okonkwo firmly denied. “He saw that everybody from the toxic Obi supporters was saying he has dollarized me, he has monetized me. And he knows we have never discussed anything about money,” Okonkwo explained.
The ADC chieftain described the attacks as counterproductive, suggesting that rather than undermining his credibility, they have inadvertently reinforced it among senior political leaders who are privy to the reality of his interactions. “The accusations of being bought are not just false; they are self-defeating. Leaders know exactly what conversations have taken place and what hasn’t,” he emphasized.
Political analysts note that Okonkwo’s comments shed light on a broader challenge in Nigerian politics, where social media narratives often conflict with behind-the-scenes realities.
The episode illustrates the tension between public perception and personal reputation, especially for politicians striving to maintain a principled stance in a climate frequently dominated by rumors and partisan attacks.
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