Spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign, Kenneth Okonkwo, has said Peter Obi had an opportunity to become a great leader but failed to take advantage of it.

Okonkwo made the remarks during an interview with Ibeju Upgrade Media while discussing the 2027 presidential election and the prospects of the opposition.

He criticised Obi’s decision to leave the African Democratic Congress coalition process, arguing that the former Anambra State governor was unwilling to subject himself to a competitive primary.

Okonkwo said Obi could not defeat President Bola Tinubu without a broader opposition coalition, insisting that the opposition needed to unite behind one candidate.

He also questioned Obi’s ability to secure sufficient support in northern Nigeria, particularly in Kano, where he said Obi performed poorly in the 2023 presidential election.

Okonkwo further dismissed the potential impact of former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso on an Obi-led ticket, claiming that Kwankwaso had also lost political ground in Kano.

His latest comments come amid renewed efforts by opposition politicians to form a coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.