Kenneth Okonkwo, a former chieftain of the Labour Party (LP) and one-time presidential campaign spokesperson, has delivered a blistering critique of Nigeria’s opposition parties, accusing them of failing to live up to the expectations of Nigerians.

In an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Okonkwo responded to allegations made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who claimed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was bribing opposition leaders with N50 million to undermine their resolve ahead of the 2027 elections.

Rather than focusing on the alleged tactics of the ruling party, Okonkwo pointed the finger squarely at the opposition, expressing his disappointment in their apparent willingness to be compromised.

“I will never blame the ruling party for anything that is happening in the opposition,” Okonkwo stated bluntly. “I was not ashamed of the ruling party. I was ashamed of the opposition party. You are indicting the opposition, saying they are corrupt. If there is no willing receiver, there would be no available giver.”

The former APC member emphasized that political destabilization is a global tactic, but it is up to the opposition to resist such attempts. He urged opposition leaders to reject any bribery offers, calling it a reflection of their moral integrity.

“Reject the ruling party’s offer,” Okonkwo urged, stressing that accepting bribes is ultimately a choice. “It is in the ruling party’s best interest to weaken the opposition, but the choice to accept the bribe lies with the opposition.”

Okonkwo’s criticism went beyond bribery, highlighting the broader failure of opposition parties to provide viable alternatives for Nigerians.

He called on opposition leaders to take responsibility for their own shortcomings instead of blaming external forces.

“The opposition has not lived up to the expectations of the Nigerian people,” he concluded.