Tinubu, Peter Obi, Atiku asked not to contest for president in 2027 – Kenneth Okonkwo

Kenneth Okonkwo, a former member of the Labour Party (LP), has called on President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race.

Okonkwo, who transitioned from Nollywood to politics, was the spokesperson for the LP presidential campaign during the 2023 general election, where he supported Obi’s candidacy.

However, two years later, Okonkwo has changed his stance, urging Obi, Atiku, and Tinubu to step aside for new contenders in the upcoming election.

He made this statement on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme.

When asked if he still maintains his position, Okonkwo said, “I said it and I maintain it because in Nigeria, people will not give you their mandate and you treat it with levity. 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.”

Okonkwo explained that although he supported Obi in 2023, he has moved on and ruled out backing the former Anambra State governor in the next general election.

Recall that Okonkwo officially resigned from the Labour Party on Tuesday, effective February 25, 2025. He attributed his decision to internal disputes within the party, emphasizing that he resigned on principle.

The former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ruled out the possibility of returning to the ruling party, criticizing it for failing to address Nigeria’s challenges.

“I resigned [from APC] on principle,” Okonkwo stated, adding, “I will be the first person to admit if the APC changes today and is doing well for Nigeria.”