Nollywood actor and political commentator Kenneth Okonkwo has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for selecting Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi as the running mate to its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Okonkwo said the decision continues the marginalisation of the South-East.
Okonkwo’s Position on the VP Selection
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Okonkwo said he heard from social media that the ADC had picked its vice presidential candidate from the South-South. He described the move as unfortunate and a continuation of the crude marginalisation of the South-East.
He noted that the South-East has not produced a President or Vice President since 1999. According to him, denying the zone the opportunity to produce the Vice President in the ADC in 2027 would amount to perpetuating that marginalisation.
Okonkwo pointed out that the ADC was founded by Ralph Nwosu from the South-East, who sacrificed the party for the coalition. He said he did not join the coalition to assist in further marginalising his people.
Call for South-East Representation
The former Labour Party spokesperson said he asked Atiku Abubakar, who had declared that he is the pathway to the presidency of the South-East, to show it by choosing someone from the region as his running mate.
He stated that if it is confirmed that Atiku has chosen a candidate from the South-South, he wishes him well. However, Okonkwo made it clear that he is not favourably disposed to campaigning for any presidential ticket that does not have a person of South-East origin as President or Vice President in 2027.
He emphasised that he joined politics to fight for a better Nigeria where no region or geopolitical zone is marginalised.
Background and Reactions
Okonkwo’s statement comes shortly after the ADC officially announced Rotimi Amaechi as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate for the 2027 election. The announcement had been welcomed by some sections of the opposition but has also drawn criticism from those who feel the South-East was sidelined.
Reactions to Okonkwo’s post have been mixed, with some accusing him of personal ambition while others see his position as a defence of South-East interests.
The development adds to the growing debate within opposition circles about zoning, power sharing, and representation ahead of the 2027 polls.
