ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A former spokesperson for the Labour Party (LP) presidential campaign, Kenneth Okonkwo, has called on President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to step aside from contesting in the 2027 presidential election.
Okonkwo, who was a key member of the LP campaign team during the 2023 election where Obi was the party’s flagbearer, has now distanced himself from supporting the former governor in the next general elections.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Okonkwo reaffirmed his stance that the trio should not contest in 2027.
“I said it, and I maintain it because in Nigeria, people will not give you their mandate and you treat it with levity.
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“You must do everything decisively to secure it. Unfortunately, nature has bestowed on us the duty that in Nigeria, you will not only win an election, but you have to fight for your mandate”, he stated.
Despite his past affiliation with Obi, the Nollywood actor-turned-politician insisted that the 2023 election should remain in the past.
“I still maintain that. Whatever happened in 2023 should stay in 2023,” he said, ruling out any possibility of backing Obi in the next presidential race.
Okonkwo, who played a significant role in the Labour Party during the last election, resigned from the party on Tuesday, citing internal conflicts within the LP.
Obi had gathered over six million votes in the 2023 polls, finishing third, with a strong support base among Nigerian youths.
However, Okonkwo has now separated completely from the party.
Although he was once a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okonkwo ruled out returning to the ruling party—unless significant changes occur.
“I resigned (to leave APC) on principle,” he insisted.
“Let me tell you, I will be the first person to admit if the APC changes today and is doing well for Nigeria,” he added, accusing the party of failing to address the nation’s challenges.