Kenneth Okonkwo, former spokesperson for Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign council and current African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, has publicly recanted his previous defenses regarding Obi's financial record as governor of Anambra State.

 

Speaking during an appearance on Television Continental’s (TVC) *Sunday Politics*, the Nollywood actor-turned-politician admitted that new disclosures from the current Anambra State government led him to change his position.

 

### "I Stuck My Reputation on Claims That Weren't True"

 

Okonkwo recalled how vigorously he championed Peter Obi’s "Go and Verify" slogan during the 2023 election cycle, challenging critics on national television over Obi's claims of leaving zero debt, unpaid salaries, or pensions.

 

> *"You know me, I’m a very passionate person in whatever I believe in. Let me tell you because I was misled,"* Okonkwo stated. *"There was a time I told Nigerians that Peter Obi was not owing anything, did not leave any debt, he was not owing any salary. No gratuity. No pension. And I said, go and verify. I’m not a man that stands on my own misunderstanding. When I see the facts, I agree."*

 

### New Rebuttals from Anambra State Government

 

Explaining the shift in his stance, Okonkwo pointed to recent counterclaims released by the Anambra State government regarding Obi's eight-year administration:

 

* **State Debts:** Statements from official state organs alleging that Obi took out eight different loans during his tenure.

* **Unpaid Salaries:** Allegations that workers at the state Water Corporation were left with unpaid salary arrears and entitlements.

 

### From "Examination in Chief" to "Cross-Examination" in 2027

 

Reflecting on his past political advocacy—including defending Obi's family against comparisons with political rivals—Okonkwo declared that his approach toward candidates will be far more critical in the upcoming 2027 electoral cycle.

 

> *"There was a time they figured out that Tinubu’s son was wearing a watch worth up to N135 million. I ran out on television and I said nobody from Peter Obi’s family can ever wear such a thing when people are dying in poverty. I stuck my reputation on it. Can I still say that today?"* Okonkwo remarked.

> *"That’s why I said in 2023, I campaigned for them as the examination in chief. In 2027, it’s going to be a cross-examination."*