As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, political discourse is intensifying. Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo, a lawyer and former spokesperson for the Labour Party during the 2023 elections, has called on opposition parties to come together in a united front to provide a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In an interview with Arise TV, Okonkwo expressed deep concern over the recent endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the APC’s Northwest faction as its sole presidential candidate for 2027. This endorsement, which also included automatic second-term tickets for APC governors in the region, has stirred public criticism. Many believe that such political maneuvers are misplaced, especially at a time when the country faces severe issues such as insecurity and widespread poverty.

Okonkwo criticized the APC leadership for focusing on future elections instead of addressing pressing national crises. He referenced a tragic incident in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, where 15 people were reportedly killed, as evidence of the government’s misplaced priorities. He also pointed out that the Northwest is struggling with alarming rates of poverty and school dropouts, yet political leaders seem more concerned with securing power than improving citizens’ lives.

He further described the APC’s endorsement event as an elitist affair, disconnected from the daily struggles of the over 60 million people living in the Northwest. According to him, democracy should prioritize the needs of the people rather than serve as a platform for self-serving politicians. Reflecting on the 2023 election, Okonkwo attributed the opposition’s failure to internal divisions, which allowed the APC to retain power with only 37 percent of the vote. He emphasized that unity among opposition parties is crucial if they hope to remove the APC in 2027 and deliver a government built on integrity and public service.

Okonkwo also criticized the APC’s ideological inconsistencies, referring to its politics as “palm wine politics,” marked by instability and frequent defections. Commenting on potential political alliances—such as discussions between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi—he insisted that leadership should not be decided through secret negotiations but by the will of the people. While acknowledging the Labour Party’s pro-worker stance, he voiced concern about opportunistic candidates joining the party without embracing its core values. Although he has left the Labour Party due to internal issues, Okonkwo remains active in politics and is involved in forming a new political coalition. He concluded with optimism, saying that while the past cannot be changed, the future still holds the possibility for meaningful transformation.