By Emmanuel Kwada
Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent political figure and former presidential spokesperson for the Labour Party, has issued a stark warning to Nigeria’s opposition: unite or face defeat in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Okonkwo predicted that President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) would effortlessly secure re-election if opposition parties fail to form a formidable coalition.
“Moving to 2027, I know that there will be a coalition. Whether it is going to be between Peter Obi and Atiku, I don’t know, but there will be a coalition. Why? Because that will be the only choice the opposition has to make any impact,” Okonkwo asserted. When pressed on the consequences of failing to unite, he was unequivocal: “Outrightly, he [Tinubu] will just walk into it.”
No single candidate could challenge Tinubu’s political machinery, given Nigeria’s electoral realities
Okonkwo argued that no single candidate could challenge Tinubu’s political machinery, given Nigeria’s electoral realities. “In Nigeria, we have entered into the unfortunacy that you will not only win but you have to secure your victory,” he said, alluding to the challenges of electoral manipulation.
He pointed to the 2015 election, where a coalition of elites toppled then-President Goodluck Jonathan, as a blueprint for unseating Tinubu. “If the elites can come together like they did in 2014 to confront Jonathan in 2015, they will unseat Tinubu in 2027,” he added.
Addressing the recent wave of defections from opposition parties to the APC—including high-profile figures from Delta State—Okonkwo offered a scathing critique.
He suggested that defectors are motivated by a belief that the ruling party will rig the 2027 elections in their favor. “It is an absurdity that people will see a sinking house and be running into it for shelter,” he remarked, questioning the logic of joining a party he believes is losing credibility.
If the elites can come together like they did in 2014 to confront Jonathan in 2015, they will unseat Tinubu in 2027
Despite his exit from the Labour Party, Okonkwo clarified that he has not aligned with any new political group. The Enugu-born politician emphasized his deliberate approach to decision-making, stating, “I usually take my time to analyse the situation before making my next move.” However, he was clear about his immediate priority: fostering a grand coalition of opposition parties to challenge the APC’s dominance.
Okonkwo’s comments come at a pivotal moment, as Nigeria’s political landscape heats up ahead of the next election cycle. With Tinubu’s administration facing mounting economic and security challenges, the opposition sees an opportunity—yet Okonkwo’s warning underscores the high stakes of disunity. As coalition talks loom, the question remains: can Nigeria’s fragmented opposition rally in time to mount a credible fight, or will Tinubu, as Okonkwo predicts, stroll unchallenged into a second term?
Join our Telegram group and receive breaking and trending news updates directly on your phone.
Join for News Updates ✕
