Former Labour Party stalwart and Nollywood actor Kenneth Okonkwo has announced a significant shift in his political strategy, declaring his intention to support a northern presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
In a candid appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” the actor-turned-lawyer delivered a stark warning to opposition parties: presenting a southern candidate like Peter Obi under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) banner would virtually guarantee President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election victory.
“My strategy this time around is that I am going to support a Northerner in 2027,” Okonkwo stated emphatically. However, his support comes with stringent conditions: “It must be a Northerner whom the whole North will be willing to support.”
The former Peter Obi ally suggested that the ADC coalition should consider political heavyweights from the North, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, to effectively challenge Tinubu’s incumbency.
Okonkwo stressed that any northern candidate must demonstrate strong qualifications, proven leadership experience, and ideally possess a background in presidential governance to earn his backing.
Rotational Presidency Debate
Addressing Nigeria’s ongoing debate about power rotation, Okonkwo referenced former Vice President Alex Ekwueme’s original vision for the presidency. “According to Alex Ekwueme, what they agreed initially is that this ought to be rotated among the geopolitical zones, for a four-year term. And in 24 years it would have been completed,” he explained.
Political Realignment
Okonkwo’s current stance represents a dramatic departure from his previous political alignment. The prominent figure severed ties with Peter Obi and resigned from the Labour Party in July 2024, citing persistent internal conflicts and what he characterized as the former Anambra governor’s inability to address critical party issues decisively.
His announcement comes as members of the opposition coalition recently formalized their adoption of the ADC as their platform for the 2027 presidential race, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly contested election.
This strategic pivot by one of Nigeria’s most vocal political commentators signals potential shifts in opposition dynamics as the country approaches another crucial electoral cycle.
