Kenneth Okonkwo, the former spokesman for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign council, has called for Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and President Bola Tinubu to step aside from the 2027 election, asserting that none of them are fit to run. According to Okonkwo, all three political figures have failed Nigerians.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Tuesday, the Nollywood actor criticized both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) for failing to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and hold it accountable for policies that have led to widespread hardship in the country.
Okonkwo emphasized the need for new faces in Nigerian politics and argued that the focus should be on consolidating opposition efforts rather than immediately planning for the next election. He pointed out that if the opposition parties had united in the House of Representatives, they could have produced the Speaker and Vice Speaker.
The human rights lawyer also addressed the controversy surrounding the removal of the fuel subsidy, which was supported by all three major parties before the 2023 election. However, he criticized President Tinubu for implementing the removal without proper planning or consideration for the welfare of Nigerians, calling the move irresponsible and unsustainable.
Okonkwo condemned the current administration as nepotistic and self-centered, citing its focus on personal luxuries, such as the purchase of a new presidential jet, while Nigerians suffer from insecurity and economic hardship.
He further criticized the opposition leaders for failing to show strong leadership and inspire confidence among their supporters. Okonkwo argued that if the opposition had taken a stronger stance, the APC would not have been able to make decisions such as appointing INEC members who are affiliated with the ruling party. He concluded by stating that the opposition needs to prioritize the welfare of the people before considering future elections, and that all current leaders have failed in this regard.
