By Gloria Drealomalicha
Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign, has said an opposition coalition remains the only realistic path to defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Okonkwo also dismissed the possibility of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), defeating Tinubu if he chooses to contest without joining forces with other opposition parties and political figures.
He made the remarks during an interview with Ibeju Upgrade Media.
According to Okonkwo, Obi would struggle to unseat Tinubu on his own, even if former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, joins his ticket as running mate.
“Coalition is the only way out,” Okonkwo said, while referring to Tinubu’s previous comments about how political power is won.
He argued that Obi would face significant challenges securing sufficient support in northern Nigeria if he contests the 2027 election without a broader opposition alliance.
“So, if Peter Obi goes against Tinubu alone, Tinubu will eat him like biscuits,” he said.
Okonkwo specifically questioned whether voters in Kano State would back Obi, recalling the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.
“Will Kano people accept Peter Obi? In 2023, when we had the opportunity, they did not accept him. In 2027, they will not accept him,” he said.
He also played down Kwankwaso’s political strength, rejecting suggestions that a joint Obi-Kwankwaso ticket could significantly improve the opposition’s chances.
“Kwankwaso has nothing to contribute to the ticket. Even in Kano, Kwankwaso has lost,” Okonkwo said.
His comments come as opposition politicians continue discussions and consultations aimed at building a broader political coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
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