ABUJA, NG — July 9, 2025 | IDNN Political Analysis Desk
Former Labour Party campaign spokesperson Kenneth Okonkwo has set the political arena ablaze with a bold assertion that only a northern candidate can defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Appearing on Politics Today on Channels Television, the Nollywood-actor-turned-politician made it clear: if the newly-formed opposition coalition fields a southern presidential candidate, Tinubu will win again—hands down.
“Bring a fresh southerner against Tinubu, and it’s over. You’ve just zoned the ticket back to him,” Okonkwo declared.
“I’m Supporting a Northerner in 2027”
Okonkwo, who recently left the Labour Party over internal disputes, said he now plans to support a strong northern aspirant from within the opposition ranks — someone who can rally pan-northern consensus and confront the incumbency of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“It must be a northerner the whole north is willing to support,” he said. “If that’s Atiku, why not? If it’s Tambuwal, why not? But it must be someone the establishment can’t sideline.”
He emphasized that political strategy, not sentiment, must shape the 2027 ticket — hinting that the failure of Peter Obi’s 2023 bid should be a lesson.
“Even if Obi wins again, they’ll steal it. Because the system isn’t designed to protect a southern opposition win—unless power moves from within.”
Tinubu’s Incumbency Is a Fortress
According to Okonkwo, President Tinubu is “incurably bad” in governance, but politically entrenched. He warned that only a north-backed challenger with the right elite alignment can challenge APC dominance.
“Nigeria’s presidency isn’t about justice alone—it’s about winning. You need the establishment or you’ll get robbed.”
He also pointed to the history of Nigerian elections, noting that the South-West has never challenged an incumbent directly since 1999.
“It’s about strategic timing. If you don’t understand that, then you’re playing checkers in a chess game.”
Exit from Labour Party, Criticism of Obi
Okonkwo used the interview to double down on his criticism of the Labour Party and Peter Obi’s leadership, saying the coalition’s hope must now go beyond charisma and be rooted in realpolitik.
“Peter Obi gave us energy in 2023, but energy alone isn’t enough. If we want to win, we must get ruthless about strategy.”
He insisted that the new coalition, under the ADC, must act as more than a reunion of failed elites, and instead become a platform for elite reform and youth mentorship.