SERG Slams Kenneth Okonkwo Over Attacks on Peter Obi, Questions His Credibility
The South East Revival Group (SERG) has strongly criticised actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo over his recent attacks on former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, describing the campaign as a contradiction that undermines Okonkwo's own credibility.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rt. Hon. Nnaemeka Aleke, SERG argued that Okonkwo's criticisms of Obi are difficult to reconcile with his previous role as one of the former Anambra State governor's most vocal supporters. According to the group, Okonkwo spent years publicly presenting Obi as a leader of integrity, competence, prudence, transparency and accountability, while repeatedly assuring Nigerians of his suitability for the nation's highest office. SERG questioned which version of Okonkwo Nigerians should believe — the one who vigorously defended Obi's character and leadership credentials or the one now portraying him differently following the collapse of their political relationship.
The group maintained that if Okonkwo was truthful in his earlier endorsements, his current criticisms should be treated with caution. Conversely, if his present claims are accurate, it raises questions about why he allegedly misled Nigerians in the past. "Either way, the greatest victim of this contradiction is Kenneth Okonkwo's own credibility," the statement said. SERG also recalled Okonkwo's previous criticisms of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, noting that shifting political alliances have seen former opponents become allies and former allies become adversaries. The group compared the situation to that of Daniel Bwala, who was once a vocal critic of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu before later joining his administration. It argued that while individuals have a right to change political opinions, frequent shifts in political positions contribute to public distrust of the political class.
Reacting to reports that Okonkwo had threatened to expose Obi in court following the former presidential candidate's reported N5 billion defamation suit, SERG said the courtroom remains the proper venue for testing evidence and establishing facts. "If Kenneth Okonkwo possesses credible evidence, he should present it before the court. If he does not, then Nigerians will know that the noise was merely noise," the group stated. SERG urged Obi not to be distracted by threats of sensational revelations and encouraged him to pursue legal action if there are sufficient grounds to do so. The group further called on Okonkwo to apologise to Obi and Nigerians, arguing that his current position directly contradicts the endorsements he repeatedly gave in the past. It warned Nigerians to be wary of political actors whose loyalties, according to the group, are driven more by political convenience than by principle, adding that leaders should be judged based on their records and values rather than changing political narratives.
SERG concluded that consistency in conviction remains one of the most important qualities of public leadership and that history tends to favour those who remain steadfast in their principles. The statement was signed by Rt. Hon. Nnaemeka Aleke, National Publicity Secretary of the South East Revival Group (SERG).
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