2027 Elections: Kenneth Okonkwo’s ADC Positions as the Anti-APC Alternative
In a sharp pre-2027 electoral critique, Nollywood actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo has launched a direct attack on Nigeria’s ruling party, framing the coming election as a rescue mission. The chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has labeled the All Progressives Congress (APC) as fundamentally “incompetent and corrupt,” setting the stage for what his party hopes will be a compelling alternative narrative.
A Scathing Indictment of the Ruling Party
Speaking on AIT’s Kakaaki programme, Okonkwo didn’t mince words. His accusation goes beyond typical political rhetoric, striking at the twin pillars of governance: capability and integrity. By coupling “incompetent” with “corrupt,” he suggests a party failing in both performance and probity—a potent charge in a nation grappling with economic hardship and security challenges.
“The whole reason for ADC is for the welfare of our people and the welfare of our nation. As Nigeria stands today, this is the only option to rescue the country from the hands of incompetent and corrupt APC,” Okonkwo stated. This framing is strategic, positioning the ADC not just as another party, but as the singular “rescue” option, a narrative designed to consolidate anti-APC sentiment.
The ADC’s Claim to Credibility and Vision
Okonkwo elaborated on the ADC’s appeal, arguing that new members are drawn by the party’s foundational documents and leadership quality. “New members joining the ADC have studied the party’s constitution and are convinced of the quality of leadership committed to its vision,” he claimed. This is a subtle but important distinction; it suggests a party built on ideology and structure rather than personality, aiming to attract politically discerning defectors from larger parties.
Contrasting with the Labour Party’s “New Nigeria”
In a notable move, Okonkwo also addressed the elephant in the opposition room: Peter Obi and the Labour Party. Acknowledging Obi’s popular “New Nigeria” slogan, he contended that the ADC offers a “more credible platform for achieving genuine national reform.” This is a direct pitch to the sizable bloc of voters disillusioned with the APC but potentially skeptical of the Labour Party’s capacity to deliver systemic change. It signals the ADC’s ambition to be seen as the substantive, governance-focused alternative rather than just a protest vehicle.
The Broader Political Context: Why This Critique Matters
Okonkwo’s comments are not made in a vacuum. They reflect the early jostling within Nigeria’s opposition space ahead of the 2027 elections. The APC, having been in power since 2015, faces increasing scrutiny over national issues. By branding it as both incompetent and corrupt, the ADC seeks to create a definitive, negative association in the public mind—a crucial step in challenging an incumbent.
Furthermore, this rhetoric underscores a potential fragmentation of the opposition. Instead of a unified front, parties like the ADC are now actively differentiating themselves from other challengers like the Labour Party, arguing for their own unique suitability to unseat the APC. This sets the stage for complex alliances or, conversely, a split opposition vote.
Conclusion: The Early Battle of Narratives
Kenneth Okonkwo’s interview is a clear opening salvo in the long campaign toward 2027. By forcefully articulating the ADC’s raison d’être as the antidote to APC’s alleged incompetence and corruption, and by positioning itself as a more credible reform platform than the Labour Party, the ADC is attempting to carve out a significant space in Nigeria’s crowded political landscape. Whether this narrative gains traction will depend on the party’s ability to translate strong words into a coherent policy agenda and a broad-based coalition capable of challenging the political status quo.