Only Northern Candidate can Unseat Tinubu in 2027, Submits Okonkwo
Veteran Nollywood actor and legal practitioner, Kenneth Okonkwo, has declared support for a northern presidential candidate under the emerging opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He warned that President Bola Tinubu is likely to win re-election if the coalition presents another candidate from the South.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, stated that the coalition must approach the upcoming election with a realistic strategy that reflects Nigeria’s political structure and voting dynamics.
“The opposition must understand the electoral realities. If we bring another southerner against Tinubu, he will win hands down. The North still holds the numerical key to winning elections in this country,” Okonkwo said.
He noted that while competence and integrity are important, political success in Nigeria heavily depends on regional and ethnic balancing. He cautioned against repeating what he described as the strategic error of 2023, where both leading opposition candidates came from the South.
His remarks come amid ongoing talks between key opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and other stakeholders, who recently formed a new coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. Although Okonkwo did not name any specific candidate, his comments have been widely interpreted as backing a figure from the North with broad national appeal.
The move has sparked reactions, particularly among Labour Party supporters who view Okonkwo’s position as a betrayal of Peter Obi. However, he defended his stance, insisting that his priority is rescuing Nigeria from economic hardship and poor leadership.
“I am loyal to good governance and to rescuing Nigeria from economic collapse and corruption. If that requires stepping aside from sentiments and embracing strategy, then so be it,” he said.
Okonkwo’s position is expected to influence ongoing debates within the opposition about zoning, electability, and coalition dynamics. As the race toward 2027 intensifies, his remarks underline the complexities of forging a unified front against the APC.
