Veteran Nollywood actor and Labour Party chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has thrown the political space into a frenzy with a bold declaration that he will be supporting a northern presidential candidate in the 2027 general election—provided the individual enjoys unanimous backing from the entire North.
Speaking during a live political chat on Wednesday, July 10, 2025, Okonkwo insisted that national unity and competence must trump regional sentiment, asserting that “a true nationalist must put Nigeria above tribal alliances.” He stressed that his political choices moving forward will reflect pragmatic alignment with candidates who represent cohesive national interests.
“I am going to support a Northerner in 2027, and it must be someone the whole North is willing to support,” Okonkwo said. “We must stop deceiving ourselves with ethnic alliances. This country needs unity of purpose, not tribal power grabs. I want someone who can unify Nigeria, not divide it.”
The Labour Party stalwart, known for his outspoken advocacy during the 2023 election campaign, particularly for Peter Obi, appears to be signaling a shift from ethnic loyalty to coalition-building strategy. His statement has stirred mixed reactions within party ranks and among his southeastern supporters, with many questioning if this is a strategic betrayal or a visionary move.
Okonkwo also criticized the inability of southern politicians to consolidate behind a common agenda, accusing them of “egocentric politics that leave power slipping from their hands every four years.” He commended the North for often presenting a united front, which, in his words, “is the very reason they’ve remained politically dominant.”
As reactions pour in across social media and political circles, observers believe Okonkwo’s comments could foreshadow realignments within opposition structures ahead of 2027. Some analysts suggest this may be an early indicator of an emerging northern-southern alliance within or beyond the Labour Party framework.
The actor-politician concluded by urging Nigerians to focus less on “where a candidate comes from” and more on “what they bring to the table in terms of capacity, integrity, and vision.” Whether his comments gain momentum or attract backlash, one thing is clear: Kenneth Okonkwo has reignited a fiery debate about zoning, loyalty, and the path to 2027.
