Prominent lawyer, actor, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo has stirred fresh political conversations after openly commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his courage and political capacity during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries ahead of the 2023 general election.
Speaking during a recent political discussion, Okonkwo said Tinubu earned respect by refusing to seek pity or special treatment despite intense political pressure and internal party opposition at the time.
According to him, the President chose the difficult route by insisting on a transparent contest rather than relying on influence or entitlement.
“Tinubu didn't start whining or crying, or saying I’m the National Leader, see what you are doing to me,” Okonkwo stated. “He said just allow me to contest in a free and fair primary, if I’m defeated I will accept it.”
The former Labour Party spokesperson added that Tinubu eventually proved his political strength at Abuja’s Eagle Square, where the APC presidential primaries were held in June 2022.
“He went to prove his capacity in Eagle Square, he went into the primaries and defeated everybody,” Okonkwo added.
Tinubu’s victory at the APC convention remains one of the defining political moments in Nigeria’s recent democratic history. Despite speculation, resistance from some political blocs, and uncertainty surrounding the APC ticket at the time, the former Lagos State governor emerged victorious after securing a commanding lead against several heavyweight aspirants within the ruling party.
Political analysts have consistently described the Eagle Square primary as a major test of Tinubu’s influence within Nigeria’s political structure. His eventual emergence as APC presidential candidate further cemented his image as one of the country’s most strategic political organizers.
Interestingly, Okonkwo’s remarks have generated reactions across political circles because the ADC chieftain has also been one of the vocal critics of the Tinubu administration in recent months.
The outspoken politician has repeatedly argued that opposition parties must unite if they hope to challenge Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 presidential election. He previously stated that no single opposition candidate could defeat Tinubu alone due to the President’s strong political network and incumbency advantage.
However, his latest comments appear to acknowledge what many political observers see as Tinubu’s greatest strength — his ability to survive fierce political battles and negotiate power structures within Nigeria’s complex democratic system.
Tinubu’s rise to the presidency has continued to divide public opinion across the country. While supporters credit him for bold economic reforms and political experience, critics argue that Nigerians are still battling inflation, insecurity, and economic hardship under his administration.
Across social media platforms and online political forums, Nigerians remain deeply divided over Tinubu’s leadership and the possibility of his re-election in 2027. Discussions surrounding opposition coalitions, internal party crises, and shifting political alliances have continued to dominate national discourse.
Meanwhile, recent developments within the opposition coalition have further highlighted the challenge of unseating the ruling APC ahead of the next general election. Reports indicate that divisions and internal disagreements continue to weaken attempts to build a united opposition front against Tinubu.
For many observers, Kenneth Okonkwo’s statement may not necessarily be an endorsement of Tinubu’s administration, but rather an acknowledgment of the President’s political resilience and strategic ability to win difficult contests without openly demanding sympathy.
As Nigeria gradually moves toward another intense election cycle, conversations around Tinubu’s political dominance, opposition unity, and the future of the country’s democracy are expected to grow even louder.
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