Okonkwo: Coalition Key to Defeating Tinubu in 2027

Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign, has maintained that Nigeria’s opposition parties must unite behind a single candidate if they hope to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on the emerging political realignment ahead of the election, Okonkwo argued that no individual opposition candidate would have enough strength to unseat the incumbent without a broader alliance.

He specifically warned that Peter Obi could struggle against Tinubu if he contests independently, stressing that the opposition’s best strategy is to consolidate its support and present a common candidate.

Okonkwo’s comments come amid renewed efforts by opposition figures to build a coalition ahead of the 2027 polls.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has emerged as a major platform for some of the opposition figures, including Atiku and Obi, although questions remain over the final structure and presidential candidate of any alliance.

The need for opposition unity has also featured prominently in recent assessments of Nigeria’s political landscape. Reuters and the Associated Press have reported that Tinubu faces opposition from major figures including Atiku and Obi, but the opposition remains divided, a situation that could benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Okonkwo’s latest position therefore reinforces his earlier calls for opposition forces to put aside individual ambitions and work towards a unified challenge to Tinubu in 2027.