Opposition Coalition New Party ADA Will Not Zone 2027 Presidency, Kenneth Okonkwo Insists as Coalition Shapes National Agenda

 

Veteran Nollywood actor turned politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has declared that the newly formed political coalition, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), will not restrict its presidential ticket to any specific region of Nigeria. Rather, the party will allow aspirants from every geopolitical zone to compete freely, emphasizing a commitment to internal democracy and fairness as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections.

Appearing on the widely watched Sunday Politics programme on Channels Television, Okonkwo made it clear that the coalition’s leadership is not interested in adopting zoning formulas or regional arrangements to determine who gets the party’s presidential nomination. The former spokesperson for Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, was categorical in asserting that political inclusiveness must take precedence over unwritten agreements and informal promises.

"No one is going to be stopped from contesting for the presidential ticket in this coalition. Absolutely no one," Okonkwo affirmed, emphasizing that the ADA intends to practice the democratic ideals it preaches. According to him, any Nigerian with the capacity to lead is welcome to vie for the coalition’s nomination, regardless of their region, religion, or background.

The ADA, which is gradually gaining attention as a third-force movement, is being positioned as a viable alternative to both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Among its notable backers are seasoned political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, former Senate President David Mark, and Peter Obi himself. These figures, while representing diverse political traditions, appear united by a shared dissatisfaction with the status quo and a vision for a renewed political structure.

Okonkwo was especially critical of power-sharing deals that are not codified in law. According to him, reliance on such informal arrangements often leads to betrayal and instability. He argued that zoning, while often used to appease certain constituencies, has been manipulated by politicians who abandon promises once they get into power.

He pointed to the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an example of how the zoning principle can become contentious. He suggested that if Tinubu, a Southerner, fails to deliver on key governance expectations, insisting on another Southern candidate could trigger political backlash from the North, potentially destabilizing the country.

"Politicians have proven again and again that verbal promises are unreliable. Even when someone says he will serve only one term, there is no guarantee. If another Southerner comes in after Tinubu and stays for eight years, the North will call that unjust," he explained.

Rather than inflame regional tensions, Okonkwo believes the best course is to let merit and capacity guide the presidential selection process. He proposed that the ADA should focus on finding a candidate who can appeal to Nigerians across the board, irrespective of their ethnic or regional affiliations.

His remarks seem to speak directly to rising anxieties over national unity, with citizens increasingly frustrated by economic hardship, insecurity, and perceived governmental incompetence. For Okonkwo, allowing a merit-based selection process is the most reliable way to gain public confidence and rebuild trust in Nigeria’s democracy.

While some critics might argue that an open contest could sideline minority interests, Okonkwo countered by stressing that Nigerians must begin to prioritize competence and performance over ethnic or sectional considerations.

The emergence of the ADA comes at a time when political realignments are accelerating nationwide. Disillusionment with both the APC and PDP has led many influential political actors to reconsider their allegiances and explore alternative coalitions. The ADA, though still in its formative stages, appears to be gathering momentum as a platform for both old political heavyweights and newer voices seeking systemic change.

By publicly rejecting zoning and instead championing a fully open presidential primary, the ADA is signaling that it intends to depart from the practices of conventional parties. Okonkwo’s strong position underscores what may be the coalition’s defining ethos; openness, competition, and a national outlook.

Observers are now watching closely to see how the ADA will organize its internal structures and whether it can maintain cohesion among its high-profile founders. While the road to 2027 is still long, Kenneth Okonkwo’s latest declarations mark a significant moment in what could be a major reshaping of Nigeria’s political future.