TDA statement attributed to veteran journalist and politician Dele Momodu has sparked fresh debate on social media over the political relevance of Nollywood actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo.
The widely circulated quote, shared in an X post, alleges that Momodu described Okonkwo as a “political liability” whose influence was overstated due to his celebrity status in the Nigerian film industry.
According to the attributed statement, Momodu claimed he had warned his principal that Okonkwo’s political involvement would prove counterproductive.
The quote reads:
“I told my principal that Kenneth was a political liability.
“From my observations, even Obi himself appeared relieved when Kenneth left his camp because he saw him as more of a burden than an asset.”
The statement further suggests that many political actors were influenced by Okonkwo’s public image as a successful Nollywood star, mistakenly equating his entertainment career with political value.
The most controversial part of the quote described Okonkwo’s departure from key political circles as “good riddance to bad rubbish,” a remark that has generated significant reactions online.
Social Media Reactions
The post was accompanied by a collage contrasting a smiling photograph of Okonkwo alongside Atiku Abubakar with a more emotional image from a recent television appearance.
The visual presentation appeared aimed at highlighting what critics describe as the actor’s shifting political alliances and recent public challenges.
The images and accompanying commentary have fueled discussions among supporters and critics of both the opposition and Labour Party movements.
No Independent Verification
As of the time of reporting, there is no publicly available video, audio recording, or official statement from Momodu confirming the authenticity of the remarks.
The quote continues to circulate across social media platforms, but its origin remains unverified.
Neither Okonkwo nor representatives of Momodu had publicly responded to the viral post at the time of filing this report.
Background
Okonkwo played a prominent role in the 2023 presidential campaign of Peter Obi.
He was widely regarded as one of the Labour Party’s most visible spokespersons before distancing himself from the movement amid internal disagreements.
The latest controversy underscores continuing tensions and rivalries within Nigeria’s opposition political landscape as key figures position themselves ahead of future electoral contests.
ENDNOTE: The remarks attributed to Dele Momodu remain unverified.
Readers are advised to treat the circulating quote as a social media claim until confirmed by Momodu.
