Former Presidential Spokesperson for the Labour Party, Kenneth Okonkwo, has asserted that no single opposition candidate stands a chance of defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections without a coalition of political forces. Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Okonkwo said that forming a coalition is the only viable option for opposition parties hoping to challenge Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Okonkwo’s comments come amid a growing wave of defections by prominent politicians from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), sparking concerns among Nigerians about the strength and stability of the nation’s party system. Many fear that the country could be gradually drifting toward a one-party state.
Highlighting the current political realignment, Okonkwo criticized the defectors, suggesting that their moves were motivated by self-interest rather than ideological conviction. He argued that these politicians believe aligning with the APC would guarantee favorable outcomes in the 2027 elections, even insinuating that they expect the ruling party to “write results” in their favor.
“It is an absurdity that people will see a sinking house and be running into it for shelter,” Okonkwo remarked, describing the defections as a troubling development for Nigeria’s democracy.
He maintained that unless the opposition leaders, possibly including figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, unite to form a formidable coalition, President Tinubu would secure a second term effortlessly.
“Moving to 2027, I know that there will be a coalition. Whether it is going to be between Peter Obi and Atiku, I don’t know, but there will be a coalition. Why? Because that will be the only choice the opposition has to make any impact,” Okonkwo stated.
He further emphasized that the political environment in Nigeria has deteriorated to a point where securing victory goes beyond winning votes; it also involves protecting the mandate. Drawing a parallel to the 2014 coalition that ousted former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, Okonkwo expressed optimism that a similar alliance could unseat Tinubu.
Meanwhile, the political landscape continues to shift, with Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori recently becoming the latest high-profile defector, abandoning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.
As political tensions rise ahead of 2027, Okonkwo’s warning highlights the strategic urgency facing Nigeria’s opposition parties in the battle to preserve the country’s democratic plurality.
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