The former chieftain of the Labour Party, Kenneth Okonkwo has reiterated the need for a coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election, stressing that no individual opposition candidate is strong enough to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Okonkwo argued that neither Peter Obi nor Atiku Abubakar could secure a win against Tinubu in the upcoming election unless they come together. He warned that if opposition parties fail to unite, the 2027 race would be an easy victory for the president and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reflecting on the 2015 election, where former President Goodluck Jonathan was ousted, Okonkwo expressed confidence that a coalition would form against Tinubu before 2027, with the support of the political elite being crucial to securing victory.
“No single candidate can win alone, regardless of their name or background. In Nigeria, securing victory is not just about popular votes — it also requires the backing of the elites,” Okonkwo explained. “In 2014, the elites came together to challenge Jonathan in 2015, and that unity helped them secure the people’s mandate. Without that unity, they would not have succeeded.”
While discussions about a potential coalition mainly focus on Obi and Atiku, Okonkwo is uncertain whether either of them will emerge as the presidential candidate. He said, “As we approach 2027, I’m confident there will be a coalition, but whether it will include Peter Obi or Atiku, I can’t say for sure. However, it will be the only viable option for the opposition to challenge Tinubu. Without it, defeating him is impossible.”
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