Sowore Alleges Kenneth Okonkwo, Others Secretly Backing Tinubu, Discredits 2027 Coalition Efforts

 

Tensions are escalating within Nigeria’s political landscape as Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), delivers a scathing rebuke of recent opposition coalition efforts, accusing prominent figures of duplicity and hidden loyalties to the current administration. Central to his claims is Nollywood veteran and former Labour Party spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, whom Sowore described as an operative working in the interest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Sowore, a long-time activist and outspoken critic of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissed the rising calls for a political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections as a “coordinated charade” being managed by individuals who have no intention of genuinely opposing the current regime. Speaking on Monday in response to a recent statement made by Okonkwo, he questioned the authenticity of the coalition narrative and the integrity of those promoting it.

Okonkwo, who has transitioned through multiple political platforms over the past few years—from the APC to the Labour Party—recently asserted that any politician who resists the idea of a coalition to unseat President Tinubu in the next election cycle is most likely an “agent of the president.” His comments followed a communique from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, which categorically distanced the party from any ongoing coalition talks. That statement further intensified suspicions of fragmentation and mistrust within Nigeria’s major opposition blocs.

Calling for unity among opposition parties, Okonkwo insisted that the APC could be overthrown only through a consolidated front. “Nigerians are tired of the ruling party, but their only obstacle is a disunited opposition,” he stated. “If the opposition parties come together today against APC, this will mark the end of APC and probably the dawn of a new era. Whoever is against a coalition in 2027 is an agent to Tinubu.”

Sowore, however, is not buying the narrative. He labeled the coalition movement as an orchestrated distraction designed to give the illusion of dissent while safeguarding the interests of the ruling party. The AAC leader went further, alleging that many of the coalition advocates, particularly those with roots in the APC or the Labour Party, are complicit in efforts to neutralize real opposition.

According to him, Okonkwo’s political trajectory is evidence of his compromised position. “Kenneth Okonkwo originated from APC, joined Labour Party, and departed suddenly after the election because they didn’t want to fight the man they claimed stole their mandate,” Sowore noted. “They have resumed their gimmicks, meanwhile, they are the ones All Progressives Congress is utilizing to eradicate genuine opposition to Bola Tinubu’s terrible regime.”

The criticism didn’t end there. Sowore also took aim at elected officials under the Labour Party umbrella who, according to him, have quietly switched allegiances post-election. “Many of them, elected Labour Party personnel, joined APC—not even those previously from Peoples Democratic Party returned to their former swamp. They are forming a spurious coalition, feigning interest in ousting a man they are all clandestinely supporting,” he added.

As the dust settles on the controversial 2023 elections, where Tinubu emerged victorious under contested circumstances, opposition figures continue to face scrutiny over their political affiliations and motivations. Sowore’s comments have reignited debates over loyalty, transparency, and the sincerity of Nigeria’s political actors—especially those claiming to represent the voice of change.

Observers have noted the irony of the situation: while the public yearns for credible alternatives to the ruling party, the very individuals entrusted with delivering that change are accused of betrayal and covert complicity. If Sowore’s accusations hold weight, the coalition being championed as a potential force for transformation may instead be another iteration of political theater.

The coming months are likely to determine whether these coalition efforts gain meaningful traction or crumble under the weight of mistrust and alleged sabotage from within. One thing, however, remains clear—Nigeria’s path to 2027 is already fraught with ideological minefields, shifting loyalties, and a growing demand from citizens for genuine, untainted opposition.