Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign, has said opposition parties must form a coalition if they hope to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Okonkwo also dismissed the chances of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi defeating Tinubu if he contests without a broader opposition alliance.
He made the remarks during an interview with Ibeju Upgrade Media, where he argued that Obi would struggle to secure sufficient support across the country, particularly in northern Nigeria, even if he were to contest alongside former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
According to Okonkwo, a united opposition front remains the most viable strategy for challenging the ruling party.
“Coalition is the only way out. So you don’t come down with a man who has told you from the beginning that power is not taken à la carte; you fight for it, you grab it, you snatch it, you run away with it,” he said, referring to Tinubu.
Okonkwo questions Obi’s northern support
Okonkwo argued that Obi’s performance in northern Nigeria would remain a major obstacle if he contested against Tinubu without a wider opposition alliance.
“So, if Peter Obi goes against Tinubu alone, Tinubu will eat him like biscuits. Will Kano people accept Peter Obi? In 2023, when we had the opportunity, they did not accept him. In 2027, they will not accept him,” he said.
He also questioned the electoral value of Kwankwaso as a potential running mate to Obi, claiming that the former Kano governor no longer commands the political influence he once enjoyed.
“Kwankwaso has nothing to contribute to the ticket. Even in Kano, Kwankwaso has lost,” Okonkwo said.
His comments come amid renewed efforts by opposition figures to build a coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as political parties and leaders continue to explore possible alliances to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okonkwo’s remarks reflect his position on the opposition’s electoral strategy and the potential strength of individual candidates if they contest separately in 2027.