Kenneth Okonkwo, the former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, has made a compelling case for the need for new faces in Nigerian politics. In a recent interview with Arise News TV, which was also monitored by Igbo History, Okonkwo called for President Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi to step aside, emphasising the need for fresh leadership to address the country’s pressing socioeconomic issues.
Okonkwo criticised both the ruling party and the opposition, stating that the current political figures have failed to deliver meaningful solutions. He argued that Nigeria requires innovative ideas and a new approach to overcome its challenges. According to Okonkwo, the existing political leaders have demonstrated that they have nothing new to offer, necessitating a change in leadership.
Furthermore, Okonkwo suggested that opposition parties should focus on consolidation and building strong alliances rather than immediately discussing mergers. He highlighted the importance of creating a unified opposition front to strengthen their position before considering electoral alliances. This approach, he believes, will be more effective in addressing the current political landscape.
The call for new leadership and consolidation among opposition parties aligns with recent reports about potential merger discussions. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hinted at a merger involving Atiku Abubakar of PDP, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Okonkwo’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among some political observers that Nigeria needs a change in direction to address longstanding issues and improve governance.
