Keneth Okonkwo, a prominent politician, lawyer, and former spokesperson for the Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2023 general election, has voiced his perspective on the ideal candidate to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Speaking on Channels Television, Okonkwo asserted that a younger presidential candidate would likely be overwhelmed by what he termed "political sharks" in the Nigerian political landscape. He believes that what Nigeria truly needs is an experienced individual, potentially from the "old cadre," who possesses a strong conscience and is committed to a new Nigeria. He posited that individuals from the middle or lower cadre have historically struggled to succeed in Nigerian politics due to the entrenched system.

Okonkwo cited former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in 2023, as an example. He suggested that if Atiku were to come into power and successfully restore Nigeria to the prosperity and stability reminiscent of the Obasanjo years—characterized by debt repayment, no new debt acquisition, and improved security—he would be hailed as a hero. Okonkwo emphasized that the current Nigerian system requires a fundamental challenge and overhaul, indicating that even a figure like Barack Obama, if he were to contest in Nigeria, would struggle to win elections not due to lack of votes, but due to electoral malpractices.

The discussions also revolved around a newly formed national coalition, which Okonkwo confirmed his involvement in, stating it possesses the "engine room" to unseat the APC in the 2027 general elections. This formidable coalition reportedly includes political heavyweights such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Senate President David Mark, among others. While leaders of the APC, like Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, have dismissed the coalition as a non-threat to President Tinubu’s second-term bid, Okonkwo and his allies remain confident in their strategic capabilities.

In a significant development, the coalition has decided to register a new political party named the All Democratic Party (ADA) ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Okonkwo further clarified that the presidential ticket for the ADA will be open to all zones, allowing interested aspirants from every region of the country to express their democratic and constitutional rights to contest. He firmly stated that no one would be prevented from vying for the coalition's ticket. Addressing concerns about trusting politicians, especially those from the APC and PDP who are part of this new alliance, Okonkwo argued that if a Southern politician were to serve a term and not perform, like the current administration, it would create an impasse if another Southerner were to take over for eight years. Therefore, he believes the optimal approach is to keep the ticket open, allowing the most capable candidate to emerge, who would then ideally commit to a four-year term, earning the support of all other stakeholders.