Kenneth Okonkwo Urges United Opposition Ahead of 2027, Slams APC’s “Palm Wine Politics”

Former spokesperson for the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Kenneth Okonkwo, has called on Nigeria’s opposition parties to form a united front ahead of the 2027 presidential race, emphasizing the need to present a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking in an interview on Arise TV, Okonkwo criticized the APC Northwest’s recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term, describing it as a political distraction from the country’s growing insecurity and economic hardship.

“It is shameful that at a time when people are being killed — like the 15 reportedly murdered this morning in Agatu LGA, Benue State — leaders are more concerned with elections still two years away,” Okonkwo said.

He also lamented the high poverty and out-of-school children rates in the Northwest, warning that the APC’s focus on re-election signals a disconnect from the real issues affecting millions.

Describing the endorsement as a “gathering of sycophants,” the Nollywood actor-turned-politician stressed that democracy must be people-driven, not dictated by political elites.

Okonkwo, a legal practitioner, blamed the failure of the opposition in 2023 on fragmentation, noting that the APC secured the presidency with only 37% of the vote. He emphasized that only a united opposition can successfully challenge the ruling party in 2027.

“The opposition must come together. Nigerians deserve a government rooted in integrity, competence, and public service — not power retention,” he stated.

He went further to criticize the APC’s ideology, likening it to “palm wine politics” — inconsistent, ever-changing, and driven by opportunistic defections rather than clear policy direction.

Commenting on speculations about talks between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi regarding a possible one-term presidency arrangement, Okonkwo stressed that leadership should emerge from the people, not elite political deals.

Although no longer with the Labour Party, Okonkwo affirmed his ongoing involvement in political development, revealing that he is part of a new coalition still in its formative stages.

“We may not change the beginning of our story, but we can certainly change how it ends — and I believe we will succeed,” he declared.