Former spokesperson for Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign, Kenneth Okonkwo, has said that Nigeria needs an experienced and principled leader to confront the political establishment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his view, younger candidates may not survive the harsh political climate dominated by long-time power players.
Speaking on a television programme, Okonkwo said only a candidate from the older generation, who has resolved to fight for a better Nigeria, stands a chance of withstanding the influence of what he called “political sharks.”
“Any officer of the middle or lower cadre never succeeded in Nigeria and there is a reason for that,” he said. “That is why in Nigeria, we need a man of conscience who is experienced, who might even be from the old cadre that has made up his mind that he wants a new Nigeria.”
He added that even a globally admired leader like former U.S. President Barack Obama could not win in Nigeria under the current system.
“Obama can come to Nigeria and will not win the election. Not because people will not vote for him, but they will steal it from him,” Okonkwo declared.
Okonkwo Cites Atiku Abubakar as Example of the Old Guard
Okonkwo, who is also a lawyer and former Nollywood actor, suggested that the country might benefit from someone like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He said Atiku, if elected, could have restored some of the economic gains Nigeria made during the Obasanjo administration.
“Assuming an Atiku comes into power and takes us back to the Obasanjo years, he would have been a hero,” he said. “He would have paid up all our debts. He would not acquire new debts. He would have made sure there is no security problem all around Nigeria.”
Okonkwo said he used Atiku only as an example of someone who had been in the presidency and could understand what is required to manage Nigeria’s complex challenges.
According to him, Nigeria needs someone with experience in governance who is committed to reform and can push back against entrenched interests.
He warned that a younger candidate may inspire hope among Nigerians but would likely be overpowered by the system unless the political structure itself is dismantled.
“If you are expecting a younger person to come in, in the midst of these sharks, they will swallow him up,” he said.
On Coalition Politics and Trust
When asked if he trusted a coalition of leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to bring about meaningful change, Okonkwo said the focus should be on the individual’s record and resolve.
He acknowledged that both parties have lost credibility with many Nigerians. However, he argued that someone with a clean track record and the right intentions, even from within the old system, could still bring about the change the country desperately needs.
“I’m just using him as an example, because he’s the only person that has been in the presidency since 1999,” he added, referring again to Atiku.
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