Nigeria’s political landscape is heating up ahead of the 2027 general elections, and former Labour Party spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, has stirred fresh controversy with his bold assertions about key presidential hopefuls.
In a recent appearance on Channels Television, veteran Nollywood actor and former spokesperson for Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, Kenneth Okonkwo, delivered a scathing political analysis, claiming that Obi – or any politician in his class – cannot win a presidential election under Nigeria’s current political structure.
“Even if a candidate like Obi wins, the system will steal the victory,” Okonkwo stated.
According to the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) chieftain, the entrenched political system in Nigeria is designed to resist change, especially from emerging political figures or reform-minded candidates. He suggested that only candidates with deep-rooted experience and backing from the political establishment—like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—stand a chance of unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
“Nigeria’s System Will Swallow Candidates Like Obi” – Okonkwo
“Any officer of the middle or lower cadre has never succeeded in Nigeria. There’s a reason for that,” Okonkwo argued. “You can bring Barack Obama to contest in Nigeria, and he will lose—not because people won’t vote for him, but because the system will steal the mandate.”
The former Labour Party figure believes Nigeria needs a reformist with both conscience and political capital, someone familiar with the old guard but committed to building a new Nigeria.
ADA Presidential Ticket Will Be Thrown Open
Okonkwo also spoke extensively about the emerging All Democratic Alliance (ADA), a new political coalition gaining momentum ahead of the 2027 elections. He announced that the ADA’s presidential ticket will be open to all regions, dismissing any plans to zone the ticket.
“We’re not zoning the presidential ticket in ADA. Anybody from any region is free to contest. What we need is the best candidate, and that person will get support across board,” he said.
He further stressed that zoning, especially with Tinubu’s alleged underperformance, would complicate national unity.
“If Tinubu is removed and replaced with another Southerner who stays for eight years, the North will cry foul. But if we allow an open contest and the best candidate emerges with a four-year mandate, everyone will support it.”
Labour Party Fallout: Okonkwo Accuses Obi of Betrayal
This is not the first time Kenneth Okonkwo has publicly criticized his former ally. Just days ago, he accused Peter Obi of betrayal over the internal crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP). Okonkwo claims Obi covertly supported embattled national chairman, Julius Abure, against the party’s broader interest, further alienating trusted allies.
