Former Labour Party (LP) chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has called on President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step aside from contesting in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
Speaking in a television interview, the Nollywood actor-turned-politician insisted that new candidates should be given a chance in the next general election.
“I said it and I maintain it because in Nigeria, people will not give you their mandate and you treat it with levity,” Okonkwo said on Tuesday.
“You must do everything decisively to secure it. Unfortunately, nature has bestowed on us the duty that in Nigeria, you will not only win an election, but you have to fight for your mandate.”
Okonkwo was a key figure in the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign, working alongside Peter Obi, who finished third in the election with over six million votes, mostly from youth supporters. However, he now says that chapter
is closed.
“Whatever happened in 2023 should stay in 2023,” he stated, ruling out backing Obi in the next election.
Okonkwo recently announced his resignation from the Labour Party, citing internal conflicts. While he was once a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he ruled out returning to the ruling party unless it undergoes significant
change.
“I resigned [to leave APC] on principle,” he emphasized.
“Let me tell you, I will be the first person to admit if the APC changes today and is doing well for Nigeria.”
With 2027 approaching, political dynamics in Nigeria are shifting, and Okonkwo’s stance highlights growing calls for new leadership in the country’s political landscape.
