Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent Nigerian actor and former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign, has stated that the opposition will struggle to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general election unless there is a unifying coalition.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Okonkwo stated that without a unified front, Tinubu’s re-election bid would go largely uncontested. He emphasised that the failure of opposition parties to form an alliance would make it nearly impossible to defeat the incumbent president. Okonkwo remarked:
“If the opposition parties do not come together in 2027, Tinubu will walk over the election. There is no single candidate who can challenge him alone.”
Okonkwo likened the current political landscape to the events leading up to the 2015 election when a coalition of opposition parties succeeded in unseating President Goodluck Jonathan. He noted that such a coalition is critical in the 2027 elections:
“In 2015, we saw how the coalition of opposition parties defeated an incumbent president. If the opposition does not come together this time, the outcome will be the same, with Tinubu having no serious challenger.”
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Although he refrained from naming specific leaders, Okonkwo expressed confidence that a coalition would materialise and that cooperation between figures like Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and others would be crucial to challenge Tinubu’s hold on power:
“The key to success in 2027 lies in collaboration. We must stop focusing on individuals. Whether it’s Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, or any other potential candidate, unity is what will make us a formidable force against Tinubu.”
Okonkwo also criticised recent defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming that some politicians believe the election results will be manipulated in the APC’s favour. He described this mindset as an “absurdity” and likened it to seeking refuge in a “sinking house.”
“It is absurd to join a sinking house. Some politicians are thinking that by joining the APC, they can secure their futures. But they are mistaken; the 2027 election will be determined by the people’s choice, not by manipulation.”
