In a recent interview on Channels Television, Kenneth Okonkwo, an ADC chieftain, spoke on opposition politics, coalition-building, and the expectations surrounding leadership contests ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.…....
During the interview, Okonkwo stated, “If you want everybody to step down for you, then don’t go into a general contest.” He made the remark while discussing the growing conversations around consensus candidacy and internal democracy within opposition coalitions.
Okonkwo explained that democratic contests are built on competition, consultation, and negotiation among political stakeholders. According to him, no aspirant should expect automatic endorsement without participating fully in the political process and engaging other contenders fairly.
The ADC chieftain noted that coalition politics often requires sacrifice and compromise from all parties involved. He stated that aspirants seeking leadership positions must be willing to test their popularity and accept the outcome of transparent internal processes.
Okonkwo further stated that the opposition must focus on strengthening unity ahead of the 2027 elections rather than creating divisions through personal ambitions. He emphasized that credible leadership selection would play a major role in determining the success of any coalition formed to challenge the ruling party.
He also linked his remarks to broader discussions about national leadership, stressing that Nigerians are more concerned about competence, governance, security, and economic reforms than personality-driven politics.
Okonkwo concluded by urging political actors to respect democratic principles and internal party processes, insisting that strong institutions and fair competition remain essential for building a credible opposition capable of winning public trust.
