Political economist and public affairs analyst, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, has said the emerging Obi–Kwankwaso alliance already has a ready-made campaign message, shaped by what he described as the harsh realities under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on Arise News in an interview monitored by The News Chronicle, Ikechukwu argued that current economic conditions have handed the opposition a clear comparative advantage ahead of the 2027 race.
According to him, the prevailing hardship provides fertile ground for a campaign anchored on contrast with the ruling government’s record.
He, however, stressed that messaging alone will not suffice, warning that opposition parties must match the All Progressives Congress (APC) in financial firepower.
“NDC and other opposition parties must understand the importance of money in electioneering if they hope to compete effectively with the APC,” he said.
On the staggering cost of presidential contests, Ikechukwu agreed that it could take as much as $5 billion to secure victory, underscoring the central role of funding in Nigeria’s electoral process.
He added a controversial note, insisting that despite rising poverty levels, Nigerians have yet to fully grasp the depth of their economic situation.
“If things were truly as bad as they seem, citizens would be more deliberate in questioning the root causes of their hardship,” he stated.
