Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has argued that votes cast for former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2027 election would improve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term.
Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, Okonkwo said opposition parties must unite behind a single candidate if they hope to defeat the incumbent president in the next general election. He said a fragmented opposition would split votes and weaken efforts to challenge Tinubu.
Okonkwo said the political reality favoured the president if opposition votes were divided.
“Because when you divide the votes of the coalition and the opposition, you are still making Tinubu to be better placed to win. That’s what Bloomberg said,” he said.
The former Labour Party campaign spokesman also criticised Obi’s decision not to remain in the ADC, claiming he left because he could not take part in a primary contest.
“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 challenge country? And you’re running away from challenges.”
Okonkwo went on to argue that support for Obi in the 2027 presidential election would ultimately benefit Tinubu.
“Let me tell you. The truth is that, in 2027, anybody voting any vote whatsoever to Peter Obi, you’re voting for Tinubu,” he said.
His comments have drawn attention because of his role as one of Obi’s most prominent campaign spokesmen during the 2023 presidential election. The remarks have also sparked debate among opposition supporters over the best strategy for challenging the ruling party in 2027.
Ademide Adebayo
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