Veteran Nollywood actor and Labour Party chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has stirred political discourse with a bold declaration that any politician or stakeholder who stands against the formation of a united opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections is, in his words, “an agent working for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Okonkwo, who has increasingly become a vocal figure in Nigeria’s political landscape since joining the Labour Party, made this assertion during a press briefing in Abuja over the weekend. His comments come at a time when opposition parties and political movements are actively exploring alliances and strategic partnerships aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next electoral cycle.
“Nigeria Cannot Survive Another APC Tenure”
The Labour Party stalwart did not mince words as he addressed the media, insisting that the country’s socioeconomic realities under the Tinubu administration demand an urgent and united front from opposition forces.
“Nigeria cannot afford another four years under the APC. The suffering of the people is at an all-time high. The economy is broken, insecurity is deepening, and the quality of governance has fallen to an embarrassing level,” Okonkwo said. “If we do not come together—Labour Party, PDP, NNPP, SDP, and every progressive voice—to form a united opposition, then we are indirectly telling Nigerians we are okay with their suffering.”
He further added, “Anyone against a coalition ahead of 2027 is either naïve or, worse, a planted agent working for the APC and President Tinubu.”
Call for Political Maturity and Unity
Kenneth Okonkwo, who played a prominent role as a spokesperson for the Peter Obi presidential campaign in 2023, stressed that the time for political ego and disunity in the opposition was over. He urged leaders across party lines to prioritize the interest of Nigerians above personal ambitions and recognize that unity is essential to defeating an entrenched ruling party.
“Those dreaming of winning on their own platform, without building a grand alliance, are deceiving themselves and betraying the hopes of millions of suffering Nigerians,” he warned. “Coalition is not weakness; it is political maturity. It is strategic responsibility. We must think beyond individual interests and focus on national redemption.”
Labour Party, PDP, and NNPP in Preliminary Talks
Okonkwo’s call aligns with recent developments indicating that talks are ongoing between key opposition parties. Insiders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have confirmed that informal consultations have begun, with a view to forming a strong coalition that could challenge the APC in 2027.
Although no formal announcement has been made, party insiders suggest that several top opposition figures are in favor of the move. However, internal rivalries, mutual suspicion, and disagreements over who would lead such a coalition remain stumbling blocks.
Okonkwo acknowledged these challenges but called on stakeholders to “rise above petty politics and narrow-minded competition.”
“We don’t need to fight over who leads now. What we need is consensus, dialogue, and commitment to a shared goal,” he said. “If we can present a united front with a clear agenda for governance, Nigerians will rally behind us.”
Warning Against Internal Saboteurs
In his address, Okonkwo also warned that the biggest threat to the coalition effort may come from within the opposition itself. He alleged that some individuals claiming to be members of the opposition are secretly working with the ruling party to sabotage any efforts aimed at building a formidable alliance.
“There are people who wear opposition badges during the day but dine with the ruling party at night,” he said. “Their mission is to divide, distract, and destroy from within. We must be vigilant and expose such double agents.”
He also charged party leaders and supporters not to allow emotional attachments to candidates or past electoral grievances prevent meaningful alliances from being forged.
2027 Seen as a Make-or-Break Moment
Kenneth Okonkwo concluded by urging all well-meaning Nigerians, particularly the youth, to stay politically conscious and active ahead of 2027. According to him, the next general election will be a defining moment in the country’s democratic history.
“We are not just fighting for a change of power. We are fighting for the soul of this country. If we miss it in 2027, we may not have another chance. That’s why this coalition is not an option—it is a necessity,” he emphasized.
Reactions to Okonkwo’s comments have been mixed. While many civil society groups and political analysts have supported the idea of a coalition, some within opposition circles have questioned the feasibility of merging diverse ideologies and interests. Nonetheless, the conversation around a grand alliance for 2027 continues to gain momentum.
As Nigeria navigates its post-election political terrain, voices like Kenneth Okonkwo’s are becoming louder in pushing for a unified opposition—one that many believe could be the only viable path to a political upset in the next presidential election.
