Former Labour Party (LP) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo has criticized Nigeria’s opposition parties, stating that they have failed to meet public expectations.

Okonkwo, who served as LP’s presidential campaign spokesperson in the 2023 elections, made the remarks on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily while reacting to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s claim that President Bola Tinubu’s administration allegedly paid N50 million bribes to opposition parties to weaken them ahead of the 2027 elections.

Rather than blaming the ruling party, Okonkwo directed his criticism at the opposition, arguing that their alleged acceptance of bribes highlights their own corruption.

“I was not ashamed of the ruling party. I was ashamed of the opposition party. You are indicting the opposition that they are very corrupt. If there is no willing receiver, there would be no available giver,” Okonkwo said.

He added that while it is a common strategy for ruling parties to attempt to destabilize the opposition, it is ultimately the responsibility of opposition leaders to reject such offers and remain committed to their cause.

“The opposition must own up and take responsibility for their failure,” he added.