The newly formed National Opposition Coalition Group (NOCG) has declared that its presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections will not be zoned to any specific region, promoting a merit-based approach to candidate selection. This was disclosed by Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent member of the coalition and former spokesperson for Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Speaking under the banner of the coalition’s proposed party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Okonkwo—who is also a legal practitioner—emphasized that the race would be open to aspirants from both Northern and Southern Nigeria.
“Nobody will be stopped from contesting for the presidential ticket in the coalition,” Okonkwo said. “We are determined to allow the best candidate to emerge, regardless of region.”
Addressing national concerns over power rotation and political equity, Okonkwo proposed the introduction of a single six-year presidential term, arguing that such a reform would mitigate prolonged regional dominance and promote fairness. He warned that another eight-year presidency from the South, particularly under underwhelming leadership, could deepen regional discontent, especially in the North.
He was also quick to clarify that his involvement in the coalition does not translate into endorsement for any particular figure, including Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi. Responding to suggestions of disloyalty, he stated:
“I was 100% loyal to Peter Obi when I worked with him. When I left, I made it clear I would no longer speak on his behalf. Any accusations to the contrary say more about those making them than about me.”
In a harsh assessment of the current administration, Okonkwo lambasted President Bola Tinubu’s government, describing it as “the worst in Nigeria’s history,” even surpassing the widely criticized tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He took particular issue with the government’s decision to float the naira, calling it “a disastrous policy.”
“You don’t float your currency when you have nothing to export and everything to import. It’s a terrible move that has worsened inflation and the suffering of Nigerians,” he said.
The NOCG, which includes high-profile figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and others, has applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the registration of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as a new political party. The coalition positions itself as a third-force movement aiming to capitalize on growing public dissatisfaction with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
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