Kenneth Okonkwo ADC candidate suggestion favours a Northerner for 2027, claiming only a non-Southern choice can defeat President Tinubu in the next election
Kenneth Okonkwo ADC candidate stance became clear during a live broadcast on Monday, when the Nollywood actor turned politician urged the party to pick its 2027 presidential flagbearer from the North.
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The former Labour Party spokesperson explained that only a Northern candidate could realistically challenge and defeat the Southern incumbent, Bola Tinubu, in the next election cycle.
“To challenge an incumbent, you must take somebody from the other section. That is what Tinubu did in 2015,” Okonkwo said. “If you take a candidate from the same section as the incumbent, nobody will be willing to fight for their votes.”
His remarks came amid growing support among Peter Obi loyalists, who argue that the former Anambra governor deserves the ADC ticket to complete the South’s eight-year share of presidential power.
Okonkwo, however, believes otherwise. “ADC should look the direction of a Northern candidate in 2027, because it will be practically impossible for a Southern candidate to defeat a Southern incumbent,” he said.
He cited historical precedent, noting how Muhammadu Buhari’s votes dropped when he ran against fellow Northerner Umaru Yar’Adua in 2007.
Among potential ADC aspirants, former President Atiku Abubakar has declared interest in the party’s ticket. Atiku recently left the PDP and joined ADC alongside other key opposition figures.
Okonkwo, a trained lawyer, openly supports Atiku’s return bid and promised a transparent primary process within the party.
Addressing a separate controversy, Okonkwo condemned reported comments by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who allegedly warned Peter Obi not to enter the state without prior clearance.
“Section 41 of the Constitution entitles every citizen of Nigeria to move freely,” Okonkwo said. “If Edo State Governor Okpebholo doesn’t apologise, I will be on his case.”
He added, “Peter Obi has to up his game because the Benue State governor did almost the same thing and Peter Obi kept quiet.”
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Okonkwo described the statement as unconstitutional, irresponsible, and uninformed.
