Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
In a development that has injected fresh energy – and controversy – into Nigeria’s political discourse, veteran actor‑turned‑politician Kenneth Okonkwo has publicly urged supporters of former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi to formally join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Okonkwo’s remarks, made on national television this week, mark a notable shift in strategy for a key figure within Nigeria’s opposition circles, reflecting broader debates about political realignment and efficacy in a country grappling with governance challenges and public disillusionment.
Okonkwo, a seasoned figure in both entertainment and political spheres, first rose to prominence as an actor in Nigeria’s prolific Nollywood industry before transitioning into active politics. He served as a key spokesperson for Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign under the Labour Party banner and has been a vocal critic of Nigeria’s dominant political establishments. However, in 2025 he parted ways with the Labour Party, citing internal strife and strategic disagreements, particularly about the party’s readiness to contest future elections effectively. Since then he has aligned himself with the ADC, a party that has sought to position itself as a viable opposition platform in Nigeria’s deeply competitive political environment.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on January 2, Okonkwo made a stark appeal to Obi’s followers—often dubbed “Obidients”—to make a decisive move into the ADC. “If you listen to his interview on X Space, he said all the Obidients should go and register as members of the ADC,” Okonkwo said. “So if you are an Obidient and you’re not in the ADC, sorry, you’re not an Obidient, you are a ‘disObidient.’” The comment has reverberated across social media and political circles in Nigeria, highlighting the deepening concerns among some opposition figures about fragmentation and the challenge of mounting an effective challenge to the ruling party.
Okonkwo’s use of the term “disObidient” underscores his belief that loyalty to an ideal or movement must translate into tangible political engagement within a structured party system. His criticism reflects a broader frustration with the manner in which Nigerian opposition movements have historically struggled to coalesce around consistent platforms or institutions. The Labour Party’s surge during the 2023 elections—propelled by Obi’s personal appeal and widespread dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s political status quo—did not translate into sustained organizational strength, leading figures like Okonkwo to conclude that new strategies are required.
At the centre of Okonkwo’s argument is a call for unity and consolidation. He characterized the ADC as a credible and democratically grounded platform, one capable of absorbing like‑minded Nigerians committed to political change. “Anybody you see in the ADC is allowed to get into the ADC on one condition: you must be a true democrat,” he said, emphasizing the party’s internal structures and commitment to democratic principles. According to Okonkwo, ADC’s rising influence, especially in Nigeria’s South‑East, signals a shift in opposition dynamics that could shape the political landscape ahead of 2027.
This call for consolidation is not without its critics. Analysts and supporters from within the Labour Party, as well as independent commentators, warn that such realignments may undermine broader opposition efforts if not handled with inclusive dialogue and clear ideological coherence. Nigeria’s political history is replete with examples of defections and realignments that, rather than strengthening opposition forces, have eroded collective resolve and reinforced incumbency advantages. Indeed, while Okonkwo frames his appeal as a pragmatic repositioning, others see it as symptomatic of deeper malaise within opposition politics—where personality and short‑term tactical shifts often eclipse long‑term institutional building.
Nevertheless, Okonkwo’s intervention reflects a reality many Nigerians acknowledge: traditional party politics in the country have struggled to deliver sustained governance reform or meaningful socio‑economic progress. Decades after Nigeria’s return to democracy, the political scene remains dominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with newer formations like the ADC and LP attempting to break the duopoly. Okonkwo has been forthright in his criticism of the older parties, describing them as lacking ideological direction or the capacity to address pressing national issues.
Still, the context for Okonkwo’s appeal is significant. Peter Obi, whose presidential bid in 2023 galvanized a generation of voters disillusioned with Nigeria’s chronic economic challenges, corruption, and insecurity, has himself joined the ADC, lending weight to Okonkwo’s message. Obi’s defection to the ADC—announced in late 2025—was framed as part of a broader effort to build a coalition capable of challenging the ruling APC. His decision has already reshaped political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections, but whether it will translate into electoral success remains contested.
Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of 2027 is likely to be fiercely competitive. President Bola Tinubu’s administration, representing the APC, has faced criticism over economic policy, fuel subsidies, and national security, but it retains significant institutional advantages. In this environment, opposition parties have struggled to present a unified front. Okonkwo’s advocacy for supporters to register with the ADC aims to reduce fragmentation, but it also raises questions about the balance between strategic unity and democratic pluralism—an issue that is likely to preoccupy political actors and voters alike.
Beyond the immediate political maneuvering, Okonkwo’s remarks have highlighted a deeper malaise in Nigerian politics: a pervasive sense that party structures are detached from grassroots aspirations and that true reform will require more than periodic elections. Public frustration over chronic unemployment, inflation, insecurity, and government accountability has buoyed movements seeking alternatives to established parties. Yet those same movements often lack the organizational infrastructure to translate momentum into lasting political power.
For supporters of Obi and other reform‑minded Nigerians, Okonkwo’s appeal carries both hope and caution. The idea of consolidating forces within a single platform may offer a clearer path to influence, but it also risks alienating those who see political diversity and debate as essential to democratic vitality. Furthermore, the personal relationships and histories among opposition figures—marked by both cooperation and conflict—add layers of complexity to any attempt at broad realignment.
At its core, Okonkwo’s message speaks to a universal challenge in democratic politics: how to channel popular enthusiasm and discontent into enduring political structures capable of delivering governance outcomes. As Nigeria approaches a decisive election cycle, the debate over party allegiance, ideological coherence, and the future of opposition politics will remain at the forefront of national discourse.
What is certain is that Kenneth Okonkwo’s pronouncement has stirred important conversation about the nature of political engagement in Nigeria. Whether his call for Labour Party supporters to cross‑carpet into the ADC will yield the cohesive front he envisions or simply add another chapter to Nigeria’s vibrant, if turbulent, political story is a question that will unfold in the months ahead.
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