Veteran Nollywood actor and former All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming that Muslims are currently the worst affected by the nation’s economic and security crises.
Speaking in an interview with Channels TV on Tuesday, Okonkwo alleged that the North was used as a tool to secure power in the 2023 elections but has since been sidelined. He also dismissed any possibility of returning to the APC unless the government makes significant progress in addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
Okonkwo: “APC Took Nigeria in the Wrong Direction”
Explaining his reasons for leaving the ruling party, Okonkwo stated that he had hoped for positive change under a new government but was disappointed with the administration’s approach to governance.
“I have said before that I do not use the word ‘never’ in my decisions because only God determines the future. But I left the APC because it was leading Nigeria in the wrong direction, both in terms of security and the economy. I waited to see if there would be any improvement under the new leadership, but things have only worsened,” he said.
He also criticized President Tinubu’s choice of a Muslim vice president, arguing that the decision was insensitive to Nigeria’s religious and ethnic diversity.
“Tinubu chose a fellow Muslim as his vice president despite the country’s religious diversity. This was a clear indication that he does not respect our multicultural nature. I warned my Muslim brothers that it was not about religion but about leadership. A leader who disregards religious diversity will also ignore ethnic diversity,” Okonkwo added.
“The North Was Used for Power and Then Abandoned”
The former Labour Party chieftain further claimed that the North was only used to secure power but has not been given real authority in governance.
“What is happening today? The Muslims are suffering the most in this country. The North was used to acquire power, but real power was given elsewhere. He [Tinubu] simply handed out political appointments to the North but kept the actual power within his inner circle,” Okonkwo alleged.
Calls for Economic and Security Reforms
Despite his criticisms, Okonkwo emphasized that his focus remains on advocating for a better Nigeria, where security and economic well-being are prioritized. He urged the government to take urgent steps to address the growing hardship and insecurity facing Nigerians.
