Kenneth Okonkwo, former spokesperson of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Organisation, has said that while the South-East has faced political injustice in Nigeria, part of the problem lies within. According to him, the region’s failure to adopt smart political strategies has worsened its marginalisation.
“I’m from the South-East. We have suffered injustice, yes, but it is because of our lack of strategy,” Okonkwo stated during an interview on Channels TV. He argued that the South, being a major political bloc, should be better positioned to influence Leadership outcomes.
Okonkwo expressed support for rotational presidency but dismissed the idea of spreading it across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. “I subscribe to rotational presidency, but I do not think it’s practicable under a two-term system,” he said.
He proposed a single-term presidency of six years that rotates strictly between the North and South. “It should be one term of six years, and it should rotate between North and South – not within the six geopolitical zones,” he added.
Describing the six-zone model as unrealistic, he warned: “Saying that a man, in a generation, will have only one chance to be president – it’s unworthy.”
He further questioned what would happen if the best candidate happened to come from a region not due for power under such zoning: “Will you now go start begging people to present themselves to become president?”
Okonkwo also addressed the declining interest in politics, warning that if rigid zoning continues, many might opt out entirely. “Time will come when people will not be as interested in politics as they are today,” he said, urging reforms to encourage quality leadership over rotation for its own sake.
Turning to Nigeria’s foreign policy, especially regarding the Niger Republic, Okonkwo was sharply critical. He accused the current administration of damaging Nigeria’s international image through poor diplomacy.
“For the first time since ECOWAS was formed, it is now split — because of the incompetence of this government,” he declared. Referring to Nigeria’s rushed response to the coup in Niger, he said: “You carry a big cane, but you go with soft words.”
He insisted only bold structural changes — including a reformed presidency — can restore credibility both at home and abroad.
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