A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Kenneth Okonkwo, has expressed opposition to reports that the party has selected its 2027 vice-presidential candidate from the South-South geopolitical zone, describing the move as a continuation of the marginalisation of the South-East.
In a statement posted on social media, Okonkwo said he had received information that the party’s vice-presidential nominee had been chosen from the South-South. He argued that if the report proves true, it would deny the South-East an opportunity to occupy either the presidency or vice presidency, positions the region has not held since 1999.
According to him, the South-East made significant sacrifices to support the coalition movement within the ADC, noting that the party was founded by Ralphs Nwosu, who he said relinquished control of the party in 2025 to facilitate a broader political alliance aimed at building a better Nigeria.
Okonkwo maintained that excluding the South-East from both the presidential and vice-presidential tickets in 2027 would amount to an injustice against the region. He added that he did not join the coalition to support what he described as the further marginalisation of his people.
The former actor-turned-politician also revealed that the only request he made to Atiku Abubakar, whom he said had publicly presented himself as a pathway to a South-East presidency, was for him to demonstrate that commitment by selecting a running mate from the South-East.
He stated that while he would wish Atiku well if the reported choice is eventually confirmed, he would not be inclined to campaign for any presidential ticket in 2027 that does not feature a person of South-East origin as either the presidential or vice-presidential candidate.
Okonkwo concluded by reiterating his commitment to a Nigeria where no region, geopolitical zone, or individual is marginalised.
