A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has explained why no politician from Nigeria’s South-East emerged as the running mate to the party’s 2027 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Okonkwo said although he personally preferred that the vice-presidential slot should go to the South-East, the region lacked eligible candidates within the party due to the provisions of the Electoral Act.
According to him, most of the political figures he believed were suitable for the position were not registered members of the ADC before the party’s presidential primary, making them ineligible for consideration.
He also argued that the departure of Peter Obi from the ADC further complicated the situation, leaving the South-East politically disadvantaged in the party’s vice-presidential calculations.
Why Amaechi Emerged
Okonkwo dismissed suggestions that he opposed the emergence of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as Atiku’s running mate.
Instead, he described Amaechi as the legitimate choice of the party, stressing that loyal members must support the decision.
He explained that while his initial position was based on the principle of regional balance, the realities within the party made such an outcome impossible.
“I said I expected that the vice president should come from the South-East. It was a geopolitical expression, not directed at any individual,” he said.
Okonkwo noted that under the Electoral Act 2026, anyone seeking elective office must have been a registered member of a political party at least 21 days before its primary election.
He said this constitutional requirement effectively ruled out many prominent South-East politicians who could have been considered.
Peter Obi’s Exit Changed Everything
The ADC chieftain revealed that the South-East’s chances suffered a major setback after Peter Obi exited the party before the presidential primary.
According to him, the region was left without a strong, consensus political figure within the party capable of mounting a nationwide vice-presidential campaign.
He recalled that the party’s presidential contest featured Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Hayatu-deen and Peter Obi before Obi’s departure altered the political landscape.
Okonkwo added that Amaechi’s impressive performance during the presidential primary also made him difficult to overlook.
“Amaechi secured over 500 votes during the primary. You cannot alienate that level of support,” he said.
South-East Leaders Should Have Been Consulted
Despite backing the party’s final decision, Okonkwo said the ADC leadership ought to have engaged political stakeholders from the South-East before announcing the vice-presidential candidate.
According to him, explaining the legal and political constraints to leaders from the region would have helped manage expectations and reduce dissatisfaction.
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He also disclosed that Atiku was out of the country when the announcement of the vice-presidential candidate was initially made.
However, upon returning to Nigeria, the former Vice President reportedly suspended further actions and initiated consultations with stakeholders.
Okonkwo praised Atiku’s response, describing it as a demonstration of democratic leadership and dialogue.
He said the consultations helped calm tensions within the coalition and ensured that all concerned parties had an opportunity to air their views before the process continued.