Former Labour Party presidential spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, has warned that President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) will have an easy path to victory in the 2027 general election if the opposition fails to form a coalition.
Speaking on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, Okonkwo stressed that a coalition remains the only viable strategy for the opposition to challenge the ruling party effectively.
“Moving into 2027, I know that there will be a coalition. Whether it will be between Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, I cannot say for certain, but there must be one. That will be the only way for the opposition to make any meaningful impact,” he said.
When asked if Tinubu would become unbeatable without a coalition, Okonkwo responded, “Outrightly, he will just walk into it.”
He explained that in today’s Nigeria, winning elections requires not only securing the popular vote but also safeguarding the victory. He cited the example of 2014, when opposition elites united to defeat former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, suggesting a similar alliance could unseat Tinubu in 2027.
On recent defections of opposition members to the APC, Okonkwo attributed the trend to politicians’ belief that the ruling party will manipulate the 2027 elections in its favor.
“It is absurd that people are running into a sinking house for shelter,” he said, criticizing the defections.
Okonkwo also reaffirmed his resignation from the Labour Party, clarifying that he has not joined any other political party yet. He said he is carefully considering his next move, but emphasized that his focus remains on advocating for a united opposition ahead of the next elections.
Nzubechukwu Eze.
