2027 Elections: Okonkwo Urges Tinubu, Atiku, Obi to Step Aside

Former Labour Party (LP) member Kenneth Okonkwo has called on President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to step aside from contesting in Nigeria’s next presidential election.

Okonkwo, who served as a spokesman for the LP presidential campaign in the 2023 general election, was a strong supporter of Obi. However, in a recent interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the Nollywood actor-turned-politician maintained that the three political figures should allow new candidates to emerge in 2027.

“I said it and I maintain it because in Nigeria, people will not give you their mandate and you treat it with levity,” Okonkwo stated. “You must do everything decisively to secure it. Unfortunately, nature has bestowed on us the duty that in Nigeria, you will not only win an election, but you have to fight for your mandate.”

Despite working closely with Obi in the last election, Okonkwo distanced himself from the LP candidate, saying, “Whatever happened in 2023 should stay in 2023.” He made it clear that he would not support Obi in the next general election.

Okonkwo also announced his resignation from the Labour Party, citing internal conflicts. Although he was previously a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he ruled out returning to the party unless it significantly improved its governance.

“I resigned [to leave APC] on principle,” he said. “Let me tell you, I will be the first person to admit if the APC changes today and is doing well for Nigeria.”