Popular Nollywood actor turned politician, Chief Kenneth Okonkwo, has stated that his support in the 2027 presidential election will go to a northern candidate—on the condition that the candidate is widely accepted by the North and possesses the necessary qualifications and experience to lead.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today with Segun Okinbaloye on Tuesday evening, Okonkwo made it clear that his political strategy for 2027 is guided more by merit than by sentiments of regional rotation.

 “My own strategy this time around is that I am going to support a northerner in 2027, and my condition is that it must be a northerner that the whole North is willing to support,” Okonkwo declared.

When probed by Okinbaloye on whether he meant figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, or former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, the actor-politician replied:

 “Why not—if any of them is qualified. The person must be qualified and must have the experience. If he has experience in the presidency, it’s an added advantage.”

He emphasized that his support is not based solely on region but on competence, capacity, and readiness to deliver good governance. He also explained that zoning arrangements should not overshadow the constitutional tenure of a president.

Reacting to questions about fairness, especially with former President Muhammadu Buhari from the North having served eight years and incumbent President Bola Tinubu from the South currently serving his first term, Okonkwo offered a historical perspective:

“The term of the president is four years and not eight years. According to Alex Ekwueme, what they agreed initially is that the presidency will be rotated across the geopolitical zones in a four-year term.”

Kenneth Okonkwo, a member of the Labour Party and a vocal supporter of good governance, has recently grown more outspoken on national issues, often advocating for a system driven by values rather than politics of identity.

His latest remarks are expected to stir debate within Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.