- Kenneth Okonkwo is a key member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
- He expressed concerns that votes for Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, could inadvertently support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
- Okonkwo emphasized the necessity of unity among opposition parties to enhance their chances of defeating the incumbent president.
Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has argued that votes cast for the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the 2027 general election could end up benefiting President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during an interview with Symfoni TV on Wednesday, Okonkwo stressed the importance of unity among opposition parties, saying a fragmented front would weaken their chances of unseating the incumbent president.
He maintained that multiple opposition candidates contesting separately would only strengthen the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and improve Tinubu’s chances of re-election.
“In other words, you are either working for Tinubu directly by being in the APC, or indirectly by splitting the opposition vote. Once the votes are divided, you are still helping Tinubu remain in a better position to win,” he said.
Okonkwo also criticised reports that Obi withdrew from coalition talks within the ADC, suggesting that the former Anambra State governor was reluctant to go through a competitive primary process.
“Nobody compelled Peter Obi to join ADC. He joined willingly and later left shortly before the deadline, giving his reasons,” he stated.
He further argued that political ambition requires resilience, adding that avoiding internal party contests is not consistent with leadership aspirations.
“You cannot aspire to lead a challenged country and run away from internal competition,” he said.
The ADC chieftain also referenced a claim involving Senator Victor Umeh, saying the senator once advised that the South-East’s best chance of producing a president would be through an alliance with northern political actors.
“Victor Umeh made it clear to me that the only chance for the Igbo people is to align with the North, and that our brother Peter Obi should consider a vice-presidential position,” he alleged.
Okonkwo added that Umeh reportedly described Obi as someone who is difficult to persuade politically.
“I asked him if he had discussed it with Obi, and he said yes, but that Obi is very stubborn and often sticks to his position,” he added.
He concluded by warning opposition supporters about the consequences of divided votes in the next general election, insisting it could again favour the ruling party.
“Let me tell you the truth: in 2027, any vote for Peter Obi is a vote for Tinubu,” he stated.
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