It must be a candidate that commands the backing of the entire northern region. If the North rallies behind Atiku, why not support him?
Veteran Nollywood actor and political figure, Kenneth Okonkwo, has made a bold declaration ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that he is prepared to support any credible northern candidate who challenges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the presidency.
Okonkwo, who was formerly a prominent spokesperson for the Labour Party, made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television on the night of Monday, July 8, 2025.
According to him, the opposition’s best chance at unseating President Tinubu lies in presenting a political heavyweight from the North, someone capable of consolidating regional support and building national momentum.
He mentioned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal as potential candidates that fit that profile.
“My strategy this time around is very clear: I am going to support a northerner in 2027,” Okonkwo stated.
“But it must be a candidate that commands the backing of the entire northern region. If the North rallies behind Atiku, why not support him? If they choose Tambuwal, why not?
“The most important thing is that the individual must be qualified, and if he has prior experience in the presidency, that’s even better. When he partners with a competent figure from the South, that alliance could be strong enough to defeat Tinubu.”
Earlier in March, IREPORT247NEWS reported that Okonkwo had been invited to meet with Atiku Abubakar.
Okonkwo posted photographs of himself with Atiku under the following caption: “lt’s a privilege and honour to be invited by His Excellency Atiku Abubakar for a consultative meeting on how best to chart a new course for our beloved country. The situation in Nigeria today requires the cooperation of every well-meaning Nigerian to ensure that our country is restored to its path of greatness.” Read here.
Okonkwo’s recent political posture marks a notable shift from his past alignment. He resigned from the Labour Party in July 2024, citing deep dissatisfaction with the party’s internal leadership and what he described as a lack of political structure and transparency. He also distanced himself from the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, despite once serving as his vocal advocate.
In the interview, Okonkwo hinted that his current political alignment is with the ADC-led coalition—a group of opposition parties and stakeholders aiming to forge a unified front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
He urged the coalition to prioritise strategy over sentiment, insisting that only a broadly accepted candidate with political depth and regional strength can mount a serious challenge to the incumbent president.
Okonkwo’s statement is expected to stir conversations within Nigeria’s political landscape, especially among opposition parties grappling with internal divisions, power-sharing negotiations, and questions about regional balance and credibility.
With 2027 still two years away, Okonkwo’s early endorsement of a northern candidate suggests that political calculations are already well underway, and alliances are beginning to take shape in preparation for another heated electoral contest.