Kenneth Okonkwo, a senior member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has warned that votes for Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, in the 2027 general election could indirectly support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. Speaking during an interview with Symfoni TV on Wednesday, Okonkwo emphasized that a divided opposition vote would weaken the chances of unseating the incumbent president. He argued that multiple opposition candidates running separately would only consolidate the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s position and improve Tinubu’s prospects.
Okonkwo stressed the necessity of unity among opposition parties, stating that fragmentation benefits the ruling party. “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. His remarks come amid growing concerns over the lack of cohesion among opposition groups ahead of the 2027 elections.
The ADC chieftain also addressed reports that Peter Obi withdrew from coalition talks within the ADC, suggesting the former Anambra State governor was unwilling to participate in a competitive primary process. “Nobody compelled Peter Obi to join ADC. He joined willingly and later left shortly before the deadline, giving his reasons,” Okonkwo stated. He added that political ambition demands resilience and that avoiding internal party contests is inconsistent with leadership aspirations. “You cannot aspire to lead a challenged country and run away from internal competition,” he said.
Okonkwo further referenced a claim involving Senator Victor Umeh, alleging that 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 said. He also noted that Umeh 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,” Okonkwo added.
He concluded by warning opposition supporters about the consequences of divided votes, reiterating that such a scenario could again favor the ruling party. “Let me tell you the truth: in 2027, any vote for Peter Obi is a vote for Tinubu,” he stated. The statement has sparked debate across political circles, as parties continue to navigate alliances and strategies ahead of the next general election. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether opposition forces can unite or remain fractured, with the outcome likely to shape Nigeria’s political landscape for years to come.
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