Kenneth Okonkwo: I’m now Obi-centric… APC started internet sensationalism, not LP

Kenneth Okonkwo says internet sensationalism started with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The actor-turned-lawyer spoke in an Arise TV interview where he responded to allegations by APC supporters that fans of Peter Obi are leveraging empty internet sensationalism that can’t translate to actual votes at the polls.

Obi is contesting for president in the 2023 election under the Labour Party (LP).

Many people have criticised the social media behaviour of some of his supporters whom rivals have described as “toxic”.

Obi has had to issue an apology on a number of occasions and dissociated his campaign from certain narratives.

In the interview, Okonkwo argued that internet sensationalism started with the APC in 2015 prior to President Muhammadu Buhari’s assumption of office.

“When APC was campaigning in 2015, they were the originators of internet sensationalism. So why are they crying if it (Peter Obi’s internet fandom) is not making any impact?” the actor asked.

“When I read business administration, they tell me that the strategy of marketing starts with drawing attention. And [Obi’s people] are doing it effectively well.”

On where his support lies ahead of the 2023 elections, Okonkwo described himself as “Obi-centric.”

“I’m not contemplating [on joining] any party yet. A northern friend from Kano told me to join the Obi movement. This is a northern Muslim talking. Saying northern Muslims won’t support Christians is a false statement,” he said.

“That is the problem with bringing Octogeneraians to manage your party and the affairs of government. I’m Obi-centric but I’ve not joined any party. It’s the ticket that gave me the youthful energy needed to change Nigeria.”