Renowned attorney and former Labour Party spokesperson for the 2023 elections, Kenneth Okonkwo, has urged Nigeria’s opposition parties to put aside their differences and unite against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the countdown to the general elections in 2027 gets closer.
During a recent appearance on Arise TV, Okonkwo made this plea in response to the Northwest APC stakeholders’ recent endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as their only contender for the 2027 presidential election.
The action has drawn criticism, especially in view of Nigeria’s ongoing security and economic problems, and includes automatic second-term endorsements for APC governors in the area.
“It is shameful that leaders are focused on elections that are still two years away at a time when people are being killed, like the 15 people who were reportedly murdered this morning in Agatu LGA, Benue State, and the Northwest is dealing with the highest rate of out-of-school children and poverty,” Okonkwo said.
He said the endorsement event was elitist and did not represent the difficult circumstances that millions of people in the region endure on a daily basis.
He went on to highlight the divide between the political elite and regular Nigerians, saying, “Democracy is about the people, not a group of sycophants seeking power for its own sake.”
In his analysis of the 2023 presidential election, Okonkwo contended that the APC won with less than 40% of the vote because the opposition failed to unite.
“The opposition must get together if the APC is to lose power in 2027. Nigerians should have a government that is based on ability, honesty, and a dedication to the common good, not on retaining power, he said.
Comparing the APC’s unstable internal politics and lack of ideological coherence to the unpredictability of regional palm wine, he further criticized the party.
They back Tinubu today. They’ll jump ship tomorrow. The APC stands for such instability,” he stated.
When asked about ongoing discussions between Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, which reportedly involve proposals for a one-term presidency and a possible running mate arrangement, Okonkwo was clear that such negotiations must not bypass the Nigerian electorate.
He insisted, “Leadership should be decided by the people, not political arrangements behind closed doors.”
Although he acknowledged the Labour Party’s original pro-worker orientation, Okonkwo voiced concerns over opportunistic entrants who joined the party without understanding or aligning with its principles.
Having stepped away from the Labour Party due to internal difficulties, he revealed he remains politically active and is now part of a coalition that is still taking shape.
“I am part of a coalition that is still in the formative stages. We’re not rushing into platforms, but when we emerge, Nigerians will hear from us,” he explained.”We may not change the beginning of our story, but we can certainly change how it ends,” Okonkwo continued, wrapping up with a message of resolution and optimism. And I think we’ll be successful. Source=Naija news
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