Kenneth Okonkwo meets Babachir Lawal, pushes coalition agenda

DDM News

The Labour Party’s Kenneth Okonkwo has continued consultations aimed at building a political coalition against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that this meeting is part of growing efforts by opposition elements to unify their forces toward ending what they describe as the “misrule” of the APC government.

In a significant development, the lawyer and politician met with former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

The closed-door discussion between the two political figures centered around forming a broad-based alliance capable of challenging the ruling party’s dominance at the federal level.

Kenneth Okonkwo, who was also a former spokesperson for the Labour Party presidential campaign council in 2023, announced the meeting through a post on X (formerly Twitter).

In his words, Okonkwo described the engagement with Lawal as a “constructive discussion” aimed at achieving a “great Nigeria.”

He emphasized that the mission to reshape the nation’s trajectory must be a collective one involving all well-meaning Nigerians.

“We have no reason to continue to suffer in a land blessed by God,” Okonkwo said in his post.

He further called on citizens to play their part in rescuing Nigeria by actively working to vote out the APC-led government in the next election cycle.

Babachir Lawal, who has been critical of the Tinubu administration despite previously aligning with the APC, is seen as a key figure in building a credible alternative platform.

Lawal had earlier distanced himself from the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket and has since worked with other progressive-minded politicians across various party lines.

His involvement in ongoing coalition talks adds momentum to speculations that opposition leaders may form a mega party to confront the APC in 2027.

Political observers believe that the ongoing dialogue among opposition parties is reminiscent of the build-up to the 2015 elections that saw the merger of parties into the APC.

There is rising anticipation that another similar grand alliance could emerge as public discontent grows over the current administration’s handling of the economy, insecurity, and governance.

Kenneth Okonkwo’s meeting with Babachir Lawal is among several recent activities pointing to an evolving political realignment.

Sources familiar with the matter told DDM that more high-level meetings are expected in the coming weeks involving major opposition leaders and civil society stakeholders.

The Labour Party, which performed impressively in the 2023 elections under the candidacy of Peter Obi, is reportedly exploring alliances with like-minded politicians from the PDP, NNPP, and other smaller parties.

The goal, insiders say, is to present a united front that can challenge APC’s grip on power and offer Nigerians a more viable governance alternative.

Already, some opposition figures have begun issuing joint communiqués criticizing the APC’s policies and demanding urgent reforms.

They have cited issues such as inflation, worsening unemployment, and deepening poverty as reasons why Nigeria needs a new political direction.

Analysts warn, however, that while coalition talks are a good start, the success of any alliance will depend on clear ideological alignment and the ability to manage egos and ambitions.

For many Nigerians, the next two years will be critical in shaping the country’s political landscape as the push for credible and effective leadership intensifies.

Kenneth Okonkwo has vowed to continue pushing for a coalition that prioritizes the common interest of citizens over personal or party gain.

His call for civic participation and resistance against continued misrule echoes the growing sentiments among disenchanted voters across the nation.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, all eyes will be on how these coalition talks evolve and whether they can birth a formidable opposition capable of altering Nigeria’s political narrative.

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