Veteran Nollywood actor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo has warned that any votes cast for Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election would ultimately benefit President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking in an interview with Symfoni TV on Wednesday, Okonkwo stressed that opposition parties must unite under a single platform to have a credible chance of defeating the incumbent president. He argued that a divided opposition would inadvertently strengthen Tinubu’s path to a second term.
“Either you’re working for Tinubu directly by supporting the APC, or indirectly, by splitting opposition votes and making him better positioned to win,” Okonkwo said.
The actor-politician also criticised Obi’s decision to withdraw from ADC coalition talks, claiming the former Anambra State governor avoided participating in a competitive primary process. “Nobody forced Peter Obi to join ADC. He entered willingly but left shortly before the coalition’s closure, avoiding the challenge a primary entails,” he said.
Okonkwo recalled advice from Anambra South Senator Victor Umeh that the South-East’s best chance to produce a president lies in aligning with northern leaders, with Obi potentially serving as vice president. He claimed Obi was reluctant to follow this counsel.
Highlighting the strategic implications of political choices, Okonkwo urged opposition supporters to carefully consider their votes. “Let me tell you the truth: in 2027, anyone voting for Peter Obi is, in effect, voting for Tinubu. Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he concluded.
