Nigerian politician and former Labour Party campaign spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, says defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election will be impossible without a united opposition.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Okonkwo emphasized the need for a strong coalition similar to the alliance that led to Goodluck Jonathan’s defeat in 2015.
Why a Single Candidate Can’t Beat Tinubu
“No single candidate can beat Tinubu alone, no matter the name,” Okonkwo said.
“In Nigeria, it’s not just about winning elections—you also have to secure your victory, and that requires elite backing, even if the masses vote for you.”
According to him, only a strategic merger of opposition forces can successfully challenge Tinubu’s political structure and influence.
Drawing Lessons from 2015
Okonkwo referenced the 2015 election when the All Progressives Congress (APC)—a coalition of opposition parties—defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.
“The elites came together in 2014, and in 2015, they secured victory. That’s the only way to win in Nigeria.”
Opposition Must Unite or Risk Another APC Victory
When asked if failure to form a coalition would guarantee Tinubu’s re-election, he responded:
“Outrightly, he will just walk into it.”
He predicted the formation of a political coalition before 2027, although it remains unclear whether it will include Peter Obi or Atiku Abubakar.
“There will be a coalition. Whether it’s between Obi and Atiku, I can’t say. But that’s the only way the opposition can make an impact.”
El-Rufai and Atiku Reportedly Spearheading Coalition Talks
His comments come amid reports of an emerging coalition led by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
APC Gains Strength as Defections Continue
Meanwhile, the ruling APC continues to consolidate power. Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, along with his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure in Delta, have defected to the APC.
They are expected to be officially welcomed into the party at a rally in Asaba, Delta State’s capital, on Monday.
