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According to a report published by Punch Newspaper on June 4, 2026, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has argued that votes cast for former Labour Party presidential candidate and current NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2027 election may ultimately work in favour of President Bola Tinubu.
Okonkwo made the remarks during an interview with Symfoni TV, where he stressed the need for opposition parties to unite behind a common platform if they hope to unseat the incumbent president in the next general election.
Expanding on his position, the former Labour Party spokesperson maintained that Nigeria’s opposition cannot afford to remain fragmented ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
According to him, a divided opposition would reduce its chances of victory while improving the electoral prospects of the ruling party.
“The reason I said it is that either you’re working for Tinubu directly, in other words, you’re in APC, or you’re working for Tinubu indirectly because when you divide the votes of the coalition and the opposition, you’re still making Tinubu better placed to win,” Okonkwo stated.
Providing further details, he criticised reports that Peter Obi had distanced himself from discussions involving the ADC coalition.
Okonkwo claimed that Obi was unwilling to participate in a competitive primary process despite seeking the nation’s highest office.
According to him, political leaders seeking national leadership should be prepared to face challenges within the democratic process rather than avoid them.
He argued that competitive primaries are a necessary part of building a strong political movement capable of winning elections.
Okonkwo also made claims regarding conversations he allegedly had with Anambra South Senator Victor Umeh concerning political strategies available to the South-East ahead of future elections.
According to him, Umeh had suggested that the region’s best opportunity to produce a president could come through an alliance with northern political interests.
He further claimed that Obi had been advised on such possibilities but remained committed to pursuing his own political path.
“He said Peter Obi is very stubborn. That if you tell him anything, he would not believe but would continue to try,” Okonkwo alleged while recounting the conversation.
The ADC chieftain maintained that opposition supporters should carefully evaluate the political consequences of their choices as preparations for the 2027 election gradually intensify.
As part of the latest development, Okonkwo reiterated his belief that votes cast outside a united opposition platform could indirectly improve President Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term in office.
“Let me tell you the truth, in 2027, anybody voting any vote whatsoever to Peter Obi, you’re voting for Tinubu, and don’t say that I didn’t tell you,” he said.
