Andy Okeke, Peter Obi Is Not Merit

Nigeria’s political landscape has always been characterised by shifting alliances, ideological inconsistencies, and the recurring phenomenon of political actors reinventing themselves in response to changing public sentiment. One of the most striking examples in recent years is the evolving political posture of Kenneth Okonkwo, a veteran Nollywood actor remembered vividly for his role as Andy Okeke in the iconic Nigerian film Living in Bondage.

In that classic film, Andy was consumed by ambition, manipulation, and desperation for wealth and relevance. Today, many supporters of Peter Obi increasingly draw parallels between that fictional role and Kenneth Okonkwo’s current political disposition, particularly following his dramatic shift from being one of the loudest advocates of the Obidient movement to becoming one of its fiercest critics.

During the 2023 Nigerian presidential election, Kenneth Okonkwo emerged as one of the most vocal and articulate defenders of Peter Obi and the Labour Party project. Through television appearances, interviews, social media engagements, and public mobilisation, he positioned himself as a prominent voice within the Obidient movement — a movement largely driven by young Nigerians frustrated by corruption, economic decline, insecurity, and decades of failed governance.

The Obidient movement represented something fundamentally different from traditional Nigerian politics. It was not built primarily on ethnic patronage, financial inducement, or established political structures. Instead, it drew energy from organic grassroots enthusiasm, especially among urban youths, professionals, students, and Nigerians in the diaspora.

Peter Obi’s candidacy symbolised prudence, accountability, competence, and a break from the entrenched political order. For many Nigerians, Obi became more than a politician; he became a metaphor for possibility in a nation deeply exhausted by disappointment.

Kenneth Okonkwo was among those who amplified this hope. However, following the conclusion of the 2023 elections and the subsequent political realignments involving Peter Obi and opposition coalition discussions around the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Obi’ eventual joining The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Kenneth Okonkwo’s tone toward Obi changed significantly.

His commentaries increasingly became critical, confrontational, and, in the opinion of many Obidients, unnecessarily antagonistic. Political disagreement is normal and even healthy in a democracy. No political movement should become immune from scrutiny. Yet, what has unsettled many supporters is the intensity and frequency of Kenneth’s attacks on the same political figure he once passionately defended.

In democratic politics, individuals are entitled to change positions. However, credibility becomes an issue when such changes appear abrupt, personal, or opportunistic. Public trust is weakened when political actors seem unable to maintain consistency in principles and messaging.

The statement “Peter Obi is not Merit” suggests that Obi is not politically vulnerable in the way Kenneth may assume. By invoking this analogy, supporters are essentially warning Kenneth Okonkwo against turning destructive toward a movement and political figure that many Nigerians still view as sincere and transformative. Unlike conventional Nigerian politicians whose influence depends heavily on elite structures, Peter Obi’s political strength largely comes from ordinary Nigerians who see themselves reflected in his modesty, discipline, and message of reform.

Before 2023, many young Nigerians had largely disengaged from the political process due to cynicism and distrust. Obi’s candidacy reawakened political participation among demographics that had long considered elections meaningless. Voter registration surged among youths. Political conversations moved beyond ethnicity and religion into discussions about governance, debt management, productivity, education, and institutional accountability.

Peter Obi, for millions of Nigerians, represents more than a politician. He represents a possibility; the possibility that governance can become more accountable, more humane, and more focused on ordinary citizens rather than elite interests. And perhaps that is the deeper message behind the phrase: “Andy, Peter Obi is not Merit.” Because unlike fictional characters trapped by manipulation and betrayal, the political consciousness awakened among ordinary Nigerians may no longer be easily silenced, redirected, or destroyed.

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