Presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala has reacted to comments made by former Labour Party spokesperson Kenneth Okonkwo regarding supporters of former presidential candidate Peter Obi, popularly known as “Obidients.”
Okonkwo made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television programme Politics Today on Thursday while discussing Obi’s political future ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
During the interview, Okonkwo argued that Obi could struggle in the next presidential contest, claiming that even some people from the South-East might not support him.
He also criticised Obi’s reported move from the African Democratic Congress to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, alleging that the former Anambra governor was attempting to avoid competition in the ADC presidential primary.
Reacting on social media, Bwala expressed surprise that Okonkwo, who campaigned actively alongside Obi and his supporters during the 2023 election, was now criticising the same political movement.
Ken Okonkwo classified Peter Obi’s followers otherwise known as ‘Obidients’ as ‘TOXIC’ and ‘STREET URCHINS,’ wow wow,” Bwala wrote.
“This is blockbuster because he was happy to lead them in 2023. There is a new synonym for Obidient; ‘street urchins,’” he added.
Okonkwo’s remarks have triggered reactions online, particularly among Obi’s supporters, many of whom accused the former Labour Party chieftain of turning against the movement he once strongly defended during the 2023 election campaign.
The actor-turned-politician was widely regarded as one of the most vocal defenders of Obi on television and social media throughout the last election cycle.
However, political differences between both men have become increasingly visible in recent months amid ongoing opposition realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
