"Peter Obi Cannot Defeat Tinubu": Kenneth Okonkwo Declares Tinubu Unbeatable by Any Southern Candidate in 2027

 

Kenneth Okonkwo, a former spokesman for the Labour Party’s Presidential Campaign Council and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political and entertainment landscape, has stirred national discourse with his latest remarks about the 2027 presidential elections. Speaking during a recent interview, the Nollywood actor-turned-politician gave a stark political forecast, claiming that no southern candidate stands a chance against incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu if they go head-to-head.

His comments come at a critical moment as opposition forces, particularly those within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other emerging coalitions, weigh their strategic options ahead of the next general election. Okonkwo, who recently resigned from the Labour Party following internal disagreements, did not mince words when analyzing the country’s political terrain.

Suggesting that a southern candidacy would play into Tinubu’s hands, he warned political groups against repeating what he sees as a strategic blunder. "Anybody telling you to bring a fresh southerner to compete against Tinubu, a southerner, is trying to tell you to zone the ticket to Tinubu, and Tinubu will win outrightly," he said during the interview.

Okonkwo’s statement is a clear rejection of calls for a southern consensus candidate to challenge the current president. He believes such a move would effectively be a coronation for Tinubu, who hails from the Southwest and continues to wield considerable influence across the region. His viewpoint underscores a growing concern among some political strategists that splitting the southern vote would hand Tinubu a smooth path to reelection.

Reflecting on his own political journey, Okonkwo explained that he has now shifted his support toward the possibility of a northern candidate, provided the individual possesses significant grassroots appeal and the capacity to win key northern states. He emphasized that political arithmetic, not sentiment, should dictate the opposition’s decision.

His remarks also shed light on his fallout with the Labour Party and its presidential candidate from the 2023 elections, Peter Obi. Okonkwo had been one of Obi’s most vocal and visible supporters, campaigning extensively during the run-up to the last general election. However, by July 2024, he publicly distanced himself from the party, citing unresolved internal wrangling and a lack of leadership on Obi’s part.

According to him, the Labour Party’s internal disputes have become a liability. He expressed disappointment that Obi failed to confront or resolve these issues, leading to further disorganization and disillusionment among party members. “I joined the movement because I believed in the potential to redefine Nigerian politics. But what I’ve witnessed within the party structure is discouraging,” he said.

Despite his departure from the Labour Party, Okonkwo remains an influential voice within the Nigerian political space. His comments carry weight not just because of his visibility but also due to his insider perspective on party politics and electoral strategy.

Peter Obi, meanwhile, continues to be seen as a leading figure from the South who is likely to contest the 2027 presidential election. Though he has not formally declared his candidacy, Obi has been actively participating in political conversations and public engagements, signaling his sustained interest in the presidency.

Observers note that Okonkwo’s latest remarks could reflect a wider sentiment among former Labour Party members and other political figures who are reassessing their approach ahead of the next election cycle. As coalitions begin to take shape and parties strategize, the question of zoning and candidate selection will become even more critical.

Political analysts argue that Okonkwo's blunt assessment raises fundamental questions about the viability of southern candidates in the face of Tinubu's entrenched political machinery. Some believe he is echoing a broader strategy that may define the 2027 contest, one that involves consolidating northern votes while avoiding direct regional competition with Tinubu.

The road to 2027 remains long, but voices like Okonkwo's are already influencing the narratives that will shape the future of Nigeria’s democracy. Whether his predictions hold true or not, his message is clear: strategic unity and regional balancing will be key to any successful opposition bid against the incumbent president.