Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesman for the Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign, has said opposition parties must form a strong coalition if they hope to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Okonkwo also dismissed the possibility of Peter Obi defeating Tinubu if he decides to contest without the backing of a broader opposition alliance.
Speaking in an interview with Ibeju Upgrade Media, Okonkwo argued that Obi would struggle to secure enough support across the country, particularly in northern Nigeria, even if he were to team up with former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
“Coalition is the only way out,” Okonkwo said, while referring to Tinubu’s political strategy and approach to power.
He maintained that Obi’s limited support in northern Nigeria could prove a major challenge if he contests the 2027 election against Tinubu without a wider alliance.
“So, if Peter Obi goes against Tinubu alone, Tinubu will eat him like biscuits. 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.
Okonkwo also questioned Kwankwaso’s potential contribution to an Obi-led ticket, claiming that the former Kano governor had lost political influence even in his home state.
“Kwankwaso has nothing to contribute to the ticket. Even in Kano, Kwankwaso has lost,” he added.
His comments come amid renewed efforts by opposition politicians and parties to form a coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as political leaders continue to explore possible alliances against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
