"A New Nigeria Needs an Old Guard, Not Peter Obi": Kenneth Okonkwo Endorses Atiku Abubakar for Nigeria's 2027 Election Battle

 

Former Labour Party Spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, has weighed in on Nigeria’s political trajectory ahead of the 2027 general elections, issuing a stark warning about the risks of banking on youthful candidates to challenge the entrenched dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking candidly during an interview on Channels Television, Okonkwo expressed strong reservations about the current political landscape, urging Nigerians to place their hopes on experienced political figures, even if they belong to the so-called "old guard".

As a former spokesperson for Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2023 election, Okonkwo’s stance may come as a surprise to supporters of youth-led political change. However, his remarks suggest a deep sense of political realism shaped by the perceived failures of Nigeria’s electoral system and the formidable influence of elite political structures.

He described the country’s political scene as one dominated by what he called "sharks", suggesting that any attempt to introduce a fresh, youthful candidate without the requisite political pedigree would be tantamount to political suicide. According to Okonkwo, the system is rigged in such a way that newcomers, regardless of their popularity, would be devoured by more seasoned players.

“Obama can come to Nigeria and will not win the election,” he asserted. “Not because people will not vote for him, but they will steal it from him.” This comparison emphasized his belief that the Nigerian electoral machinery is heavily compromised and resistant to genuine democratic reform.

Rather than advocating for untested reformers, Okonkwo argued for a strategic approach. He believes Nigeria needs an individual who not only understands the machinery of governance but also has the moral compass to drive national rebirth. In his view, such a person is likely to come from the older generation, one that has already experienced power but now has the willingness to usher in real change.

He cited former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a hypothetical example, suggesting that a return to the governance style of the Obasanjo years could offer a pathway out of the current quagmire. “Assuming an Atiku comes into power and takes us back to the Obasanjo years, he would have been a hero,” Okonkwo said. “He would have paid up all our debts. He would not acquire new debts. He would have made sure there is no security problem all around Nigeria.”

Okonkwo acknowledged the skepticism many Nigerians feel toward both the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC, the two dominant parties that have traded power since the return to democracy in 1999. Nonetheless, he pointed out that change might still come from within those familiar structures, if driven by individuals with the right mindset and conscience.

When asked whether a coalition comprising figures from the PDP and APC could truly deliver change, considering public fatigue with both parties, Okonkwo suggested that what mattered most was not the party label, but the character and experience of the candidate. For him, the issue is no longer about ideological purity or youthful exuberance; it is about defeating a deeply entrenched system that has resisted reform for decades.

He emphasized the need to confront and dismantle what he views as a system built to preserve the interests of the elite. Without that fundamental change, he believes, no candidate, regardless of age or popularity, stands a realistic chance of transforming Nigeria’s governance.

This pragmatic shift in narrative may not sit well with the wave of youth-driven activism that surged during the 2023 election cycle, but Okonkwo insists that his position is rooted in a desire for real results rather than romantic ideals. He urged political stakeholders and the electorate to understand that change, while desirable, must be pursued with both strategy and experience.

Keneth Okonkwo’s comments are likely to stir fresh debate in political circles, particularly among those advocating for a generational shift in leadership. Yet, they also serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for any hopeful seeking to unseat the deeply rooted powers that shape Nigeria’s electoral and political destiny.