The spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign, Kenneth Okonkwo, has argued that an opposition coalition is necessary to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Okonkwo also played down Peter Obi’s chances of defeating Tinubu if the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate contests the election without the backing of a wider opposition alliance.
He made the remarks during an interview with Ibeju Upgrade Media.
According to Okonkwo, Obi would be unable to defeat Tinubu on his own, even if former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso serves as his running mate.
“Coalition is the only way out. So you don’t come down with a man who has told you from the beginning that power is not taken à la carte; you fight for it, you grab it, you snatch it, you run away with it,” he said, referring to Tinubu.
Okonkwo maintained that Obi would face difficulties securing sufficient support in northern Nigeria if he challenges Tinubu without an opposition coalition.
“So, if Peter Obi goes against Tinubu alone, Tinubu will eat him like biscuits. Will Kano people accept Peter Obi? In 2023, when we had the opportunity, they did not accept him. In 2027, they will not accept him,” he said.
He also dismissed the potential contribution of Kwankwaso to an Obi-led ticket.
“Kwankwaso has nothing to contribute to the ticket. Even in Kano, Kwankwaso has lost,” Okonkwo said.
The comments come amid renewed efforts by opposition politicians and groups to build a coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.