Kenneth Okonkwo Sh*cks Nation: Dumps Peter Obi, Backs Northern Contender For 2027

Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent chieftain of the Labour Party (LP) and former spokesperson for the Peter Obi/Ahmed Baba-Datti presidential campaign in the 2023 elections, has revealed his support for a northern candidate in the 2027 presidential race, stating that such a move is necessary to effectively challenge President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Okonkwo argued that presenting another southern candidate against Tinubu—who hails from the South—would essentially hand him an easy re-election victory.

The actor-turned-politician emphasized that his backing is not just for any northern candidate, but one who is both qualified and enjoys widespread support from across the northern region. He noted that he would be open to supporting figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or ex-Speaker Aminu Tambuwal if they meet these conditions.

“My strategy this time around is to support a northerner in 2027,” Okonkwo said.
“It must be someone the entire North is willing to back. If it’s Atiku or Tambuwal, and the North rallies behind them, then why not? If they’re qualified and have presidential experience, that’s an added advantage.”

On Why Peter Obi Can’t Win in 2027

Okonkwo also declared that Peter Obi—or any other southern candidate—has little chance of winning in 2027, as the system would be rigged against them. He reiterated his belief that Obi won the 2023 election but was denied victory through electoral malpractice.

He stressed that the opposition must present a northern candidate to break Tinubu’s stronghold, arguing that the power of incumbency plays a significant role in Nigerian elections.

“Bringing another Southerner to face Tinubu is equivalent to zoning the presidency to Tinubu,” he warned.
“Even if a Southeast candidate wins, they’ll still steal it. That’s the reality. In Nigeria, without establishment support, your victory will be taken.”

Okonkwo pointed out that the South-West has never contested against an incumbent president, which, in his view, is a strategic move.

“Peter Obi won in 2023, and it was stolen. If we try that again, it’ll be stolen again. But if you present a northerner, no one will be able to pressure him into surrendering his victory.”

He concluded by urging the opposition coalition to focus less on sentiments and more on strategic planning to defeat Tinubu and the ruling APC in 2027.