Former Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council spokesman Kenneth Okonkwo has declared that no southern candidate can defeat President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.

Okonkwo, who recently parted ways with Peter Obi and the Labour Party, stated that giving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket to a southerner would essentially guarantee Tinubu's reelection.

"Anybody telling you to bring a fresh southerner to compete against Tinubu, a southerner, is trying to tell you to zone the ticket to Tinubu, and Tinubu will win outrightly," Okonkwo said in a recent interview.

The Nollywood star-turned-politician emphasized that he would only support a northern candidate who demonstrates popularity and the ability to win states in Nigeria's northern region.

Okonkwo's comments come at a critical time for opposition parties as they strategize for the 2027 elections. His statement may have significant implications for Peter Obi, who is among the prominent southern political leaders in the Coalition who has shown interest in contesting for the presidency.

In July 2024, Okonkwo left the Labour Party, citing disappointment with the party's internal conflicts and Obi's failure to address these issues. This departure marked a significant shift in his political alignment after having been a vocal supporter of Obi during the 2023 presidential election.

The ADC has become a focal point for opposition politics in Nigeria, with various political figures, including two former PDP governorship candidates in Ondo State, recently joining its ranks. Former Senate President David Mark has stated that the ADC has no preferred presidential aspirant at this time.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has maintained that President Tinubu remains focused on governance despite the coalition's formation, with the Presidency describing critics as "haters trying to overthrow Tinubu."

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