Kenneth Okonkwo, former spokesperson for the Obi/Datti campaign organization, has expressed doubts about the ability of opposition parties to take power from President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Okonkwo argued that President Tinubu, having successfully navigated the complexities of Nigeria’s political system to achieve his current position, would not easily allow himself to be overthrown by the opposition.
In an interview with Arise TV on Tuesday, Okonkwo criticized the opposition for failing to meet their responsibilities in holding the government accountable. He noted that instead of focusing on acquiring power, opposition parties should have concentrated on strengthening their platforms and challenging the ruling party’s policies to convince Nigerians that they offer a better alternative.
Okonkwo emphasized the importance of cohesion and collaboration among opposition parties, stating that unity is essential in a democratic process for acquiring power. However, he expressed concern that the opposition’s current focus on taking power from Tinubu is unrealistic, given the state of Nigeria’s electoral and judicial systems.
He argued that the country’s electoral jurisprudence has been compromised, with courts granting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) excessive discretion in conducting elections. Okonkwo also highlighted the challenges posed by strict legal timelines, which he believes have been misinterpreted to the detriment of the opposition’s chances in electoral disputes.
Reflecting on the last presidential election, Okonkwo aligned with the views of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, warning that the opposition would be wasting their time unless they unite and hold the current administration accountable. He further criticized the judiciary for failing to uphold the law, suggesting that it had favored the ruling APC in its rulings.
In conclusion, Okonkwo warned that without significant changes in strategy and unity among opposition parties, the prospect of unseating President Tinubu in 2027 remains a distant possibility.