2027: Okonkwo Dismisses Kwankwaso’s Political Influence, Says Obi Cannot Beat Tinubu Alone

Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign, has argued that Peter Obi would struggle to defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election without a broader opposition coalition.

According to Okonkwo, an alliance involving major opposition forces remains the most viable strategy for challenging the incumbent, insisting that Obi would not be able to defeat Tinubu on his own.

He made the remarks during an interview with Ibeju Upgrade Media, where he also dismissed the potential strength of a proposed Obi-Kwankwaso ticket.

Okonkwo argued that even with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate, Obi would still face significant challenges in securing enough support to unseat Tinubu.

He maintained that the opposition must unite behind a single candidate rather than allow votes against the ruling All Progressives Congress to become divided among different contenders.

Speaking about the possibility of Obi contesting without a wider alliance, Okonkwo claimed that Tinubu would have a decisive advantage and used the phrase “eat him like biscuits” to describe what he believed would be the outcome.

He also questioned whether Obi could secure sufficient support in northern Nigeria, particularly Kano State, pointing to the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.

Okonkwo further dismissed Kwankwaso’s potential contribution to an Obi-led presidential ticket, claiming that the former Kano governor had lost some of his political influence, including in his home state.

“Kwankwaso has nothing to contribute to the ticket. Even in Kano, Kwankwaso has lost,” he said.

The comments come amid renewed efforts by opposition politicians and groups to form a coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Okonkwo’s assessment reflects his own political position, while the strength of the various opposition candidates and the eventual structure of any coalition will be determined by political developments leading up to the election.