“Sharks Will Swallow Younger Ones” – Kenneth Okonkwo Reveals Preferred Candidate to Face Tinubu in 2027

In a recent appearance on Channels Television, Kenneth Okonkwo, former spokesperson for Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, named his preferred type of candidate to take on President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.

Okonkwo argued that the current Nigerian political landscape is too hostile for younger, less experienced politicians. Comparing the political elite to “sharks,” he warned that a younger candidate would likely be overwhelmed. “If you are expecting a younger person to come in, in the midst of these sharks, they will swallow him up,” he said.

He stressed the need for an experienced candidate from the “old cadre” who possesses both political wisdom and a conscience to steer the country toward a better future. Citing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as an example, Okonkwo suggested that had Atiku assumed power and restored the Obasanjo-era policies, he could have emerged a national hero. “He would have paid up all our debts. He would not acquire new debts. He would have made sure there is no security problem all around Nigeria,” Okonkwo noted, referencing Atiku’s time in office between 1999 and 2007.

While acknowledging public distrust in major political parties like the PDP and APC, Okonkwo argued that experience remains vital. “Any officer of the middle or lower cadre never succeeded in Nigeria and there is a reason for that,” he said.

He further expressed deep skepticism about Nigeria’s electoral integrity, stating that even a globally respected figure like Barack Obama would not succeed in a Nigerian election. “Obama can come to Nigeria and will not win the election. Not because peoplfe will not vote for him, but they will steal it from him.”