Former Labour Party chieftain and political commentator, Kenneth Okonkwo, has reiterated the urgent need for a united opposition front ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Okonkwo argued that no single candidate — including Peter Obi or Atiku Abubakar — can defeat President Bola Tinubu without a broad coalition.
He warned that if the opposition remains fragmented, the 2027 election would be an easy win for President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Drawing parallels with the 2015 election that saw former President Goodluck Jonathan ousted through a strategic alliance, Okonkwo emphasized the importance of elite backing in securing electoral victory.
“In Nigeria today, it’s not enough to win an election — you must also secure your victory. And to do that, you need the support of the elites,” he said. “That’s what happened in 2015. The elites united behind a single goal, and it made all the difference.”
Okonkwo believes a similar alliance is inevitable before 2027, though he remained uncertain whether Peter Obi or Atiku Abubakar would lead such a coalition.
“As we approach 2027, a coalition is the only viable option for the opposition,” he stated. “Whether it involves Obi, Atiku, or others, I can’t say for sure. But without that unity, Tinubu cannot be defeated.”
