Politics
Kenneth Okonkwo Urges Tinubu, Atiku, and Obi to Step Aside for 2027 Elections
Kenneth Okonkwo, the former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential campaign council, has called on President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, and Atiku Abubakar to step aside from participating in the 2027 presidential election.
He argued that the trio, who represented the major political forces in the 2023 elections, have collectively failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians.
In a recent interview on Arise TV, Okonkwo, a Nollywood actor and political commentator, emphasized the need for fresh faces in Nigerian politics.
He expressed disappointment not only in the performance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) but also in the failure of the opposition parties to unite and challenge the ruling party effectively.
Okonkwo criticized both the opposition and the ruling government for their inability to deliver on promises made to the electorate, which has resulted in widespread dissatisfaction.
He stated, “I firmly believe we need new leadership, and that’s why I’ve called for Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, and Atiku Abubakar to step down. They have had their opportunity, and they have failed.”
The actor went on to highlight the missed opportunity for the opposition parties to leverage their numerical advantage in the National Assembly.
He pointed out that the opposition holds a majority in the House of Representatives but failed to unite and use that advantage to elect their own speaker and deputy speaker.
According to Okonkwo, if the opposition had worked together and formed stronger alliances, they could have challenged the dominance of the APC more effectively in the legislature.
Okonkwo stressed that, instead of focusing on the next election immediately after the last, opposition parties should concentrate on consolidating their forces, building alliances, and working as a collective unit to hold the ruling party accountable.
He added that a divided opposition only weakens the democratic process and enables the ruling party to retain power without meaningful challenges.
He concluded by urging political leaders, especially those who contested the 2023 presidential election, to consider stepping aside and making room for new leaders with fresh ideas and perspectives to take the reins ahead of the 2027 election.
According to him, this would be in the best interest of Nigeria’s democracy and would pave the way for meaningful progress.
The Arewa Youth Movement has recommended that for President Bola Tinubu to secure victory in the 2027 presidential election, he should choose a Northern Christian as his running mate.
This suggestion is aimed at addressing the religious and regional imbalances that were highlighted in previous elections. During a briefing in Abuja on Monday, the group’s leaders, including National President Ambassador Muhammed Sa’ad Aboki, stressed the importance of inclusivity in the political process.
The movement believes that selecting a Northern Christian as a vice-presidential candidate would boost Tinubu’s support, particularly in the Middle Belt and among northern Christians. “One of the most discussed possibilities is Tinubu’s re-election bid, which could reshape the political landscape,” said Aboki. He added that choosing a Christian running mate would help address the religious imbalance seen in the past and broaden Tinubu’s appeal, particularly in regions with a significant Christian population.
Aboki noted that a Northern Christian vice-presidential candidate would send a strong message of unity, inclusiveness, and sensitivity to Nigeria’s diverse religious makeup. The 2023 election results shows the importance of religious inclusivity in securing votes across Nigeria’s diverse regions, with Tinubu losing in states like the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, and Plateau, where northern Christians are a key demographic.
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, believes it’s nearly impossible to remove President Bola Tinubu from power through a coalition in the 2027 elections. Speaking on a live TV program, he dismissed recent coalition talks by some political figures as nothing more than noise, saying they don’t pose any real threat to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, those pushing the idea of a coalition are underestimating the deep-rooted structure and support base of the APC. “There’s no political tsunami on the way,” he said. “I’ve been part of presidential campaigns. I understand Nigeria’s political landscape. A coalition strong enough to unseat Tinubu just isn’t possible right now.”
His comments were in response to remarks by key opposition voices like Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Atiku Abubakar, and Nasir El-Rufai, who have been suggesting a united front against Tinubu ahead of 2027. Baba-Ahmed had criticized the current administration for poor governance and urged voters to seek change.
Rumors have also been swirling about a possible merger within the PDP, though many of the party’s governors have denied any involvement. Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose even described the whole idea as pointless and dead on arrival.
Keyamo made it clear that forming a strong political merger takes time, recalling how long it took for Tinubu and Buhari to build the APC after the 2011 elections. He said those planning a coalition now are either confused about what they want or have already missed the train.
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to put President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid above their personal political goals.
Speaking during a live interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Keyamo said Tinubu needs a second term to complete the reforms his administration has started. He warned that allowing a new government to take over in 2027 could disrupt the progress already made, repeating the cycle of abandoned policies.
“Every APC member should focus on securing Tinubu’s second term, even if it means sacrificing personal ambitions,” he said.
He referenced the recent defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to the APC as a significant gain, especially since Delta was a major supporter of the opposition in the past. Keyamo, who hails from the state, said he willingly handed over party leadership there to Oborevwori to strengthen the party ahead of 2027.
According to him, unity and sacrifice within the party are key to securing another term for Tinubu. “It’s not about me,” he said. “What matters is that Mr President wins again.”
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