Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
ABUJA, Nigeria — Popular Nollywood actor, lawyer and prominent political commentator Kenneth Okonkwo has intensified his criticism of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling on Nigerians to reject the party and its leadership in the forthcoming 2027 general elections while denouncing what he described as entrenched “resource‑sucking cabals” that he says have harmed the nation’s progress. Okonkwo’s remarks reflect broader opposition discontent and growing public frustration with governance, economic hardship, and political realignment ahead of the next presidential poll.
In interviews and public commentaries in recent months, Okonkwo has been forthright in his assessment of Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly criticising politicians who defect to the APC from other parties and casting them as opportunistic and unprincipled. In one notable instance, he referred to defectors to the APC as a “subset of professional criminals” whose shifting allegiances harm democratic development and undermine cohesion among opposition forces. Okonkwo used vivid metaphors to describe such politicians as unstable and self‑serving, likening their behaviour to the unpredictable taste of palm wine that changes repeatedly without refrigeration.
Okonkwo has also been active in discussions about electoral strategy ahead of 2027. Reflecting on the 2023 elections, he lamented disunity among opposition parties, which he says contributed to the APC’s victory with a plurality of support, and has urged Nigerians to recognise the need for a more cohesive alternative capable of challenging the ruling party’s grasp on power. He has stressed that defeating the APC in future elections will require unity and careful coordination among opposition elements, a position he reiterated in remarks about voter mobilisation and election preparedness.
Although Okonkwo has not endorsed any single candidate, his criticism of the APC and Tinubu’s administration fits into a wider narrative among some opposition figures who argue that Nigerians deserve leadership that is more responsive to their socio‑economic needs. Critics of the APC frequently cite issues such as inflation, unemployment, and perceptions of elite capture of national resources as factors eroding public trust in the governing party. In parallel, other opposition parties have articulated similar positions, warning of renewed APC dominance if the next election is not met with robust alternatives and strategic alliances.
Okonkwo’s political evolution has been notable, especially following his tenure as a spokesperson for the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign, during which he defended Peter Obi’s candidacy. After parting ways with the Labour Party amid internal disputes, he aligned himself with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — a coalition platform positioning itself as a key opposition contender against the APC. Okonkwo has described the ADC as the most viable opposition force, dismissing other parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and LP as existent mainly in name due to internal divisions and defections.
His advocacy for change has not been without controversy. At times, his comments have stirred public debate on election strategy and candidate selection. For instance, Okonkwo once ignited conversation by arguing that a southern candidate could struggle to defeat a sitting president like Tinubu, sparking dialogue about regional dynamics and the electoral appeal of different candidates across Nigeria’s diverse geopolitical zones.
Okonkwo’s messaging has also intersected with national dissatisfaction over political defections and perceived opportunism. Many Nigerians across the political spectrum have criticised high‑profile defections to the APC in the run‑up to 2027, viewing them as undermining opposition unity and bolstering the ruling party’s electoral prospects. These concerns align with Okonkwo’s broader warnings about the dangers of political fragmentation ahead of crucial elections. (
As 2027 approaches, Okonkwo’s remarks are contributing to a larger national debate about leadership, governance, and accountability in Nigeria. With his considerable public profile and history of engagement in national discourse, his calls for voters to dismiss the APC and Tinubu reflect both personal conviction and a broader sentiment among segments of the electorate demanding political renewal and greater responsiveness to everyday challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians.
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