Kenneth Okonkwo Says Obi’s 2027 Candidacy Could Benefit Tinubu

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Kenneth Okonkwo, has argued that votes cast for former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2027 election could ultimately strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term.

Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, Okonkwo maintained that opposition parties would need to unite behind a single candidate to stand a realistic chance of defeating the incumbent president.

According to him, a divided opposition would split votes and make it easier for Tinubu and the ruling party to retain power.

“Because when you divide the votes of the coalition and the opposition, you are still making Tinubu to be better placed to win,” Okonkwo said.

The former Labour Party campaign spokesperson also criticised Obi’s decision to leave the ADC, claiming the former Anambra governor withdrew because he was unwilling to participate in a party primary.

“Now, nobody forced you, Peter Obi, to enter into ADC. You entered on your own. And one week to the end of the closure of the time, you left,” he said.

“And you gave the reason. What reason did you give? You can’t compete primary. And you want to be a politician. And you can’t compete in primary. You want to be the president of a challenged country? And you’re running away from challenges.”

Okonkwo further argued that backing Obi in the next presidential election would indirectly favour Tinubu by dividing opposition support.

“Let me tell you. The truth is that, in 2027, anybody voting any vote whatsoever to Peter Obi, you’re voting for Tinubu,” he stated.

The remarks have attracted attention given Okonkwo’s prominent role as one of Obi’s leading campaign spokespersons during the 2023 presidential election.

His comments have also reignited debate within opposition circles over whether political parties should form a united front ahead of the 2027 elections or field separate candidates against the ruling establishment.