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Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has explained that no individual from the South-East was eligible to serve as Atiku’s running mate because they were not registered members of the ADC before the party’s primary election.
Okonkwo, who had earlier criticised the choice of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi (from the South-South) as Atiku’s vice-presidential candidate and publicly advocated for a South-East pick, clarified his position during a Channels TV interview on Thursday.
He refuted claims that he opposed Amaechi’s selection, describing the former minister as the legitimate choice of the party.“I said I expected that the Vice President should come from South-East. It was a geopolitical expression, not the person of anybody,” Okonkwo stated.
He cited provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which require aspirants to have been members of the party at least 21 days before the primary. According to him, preferred South-East candidates were not registered members at the time, limiting the party’s options.
Okonkwo noted that several prominent figures, including Rotimi Amaechi, Hayatu-deen, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi, had shown interest in the presidential ticket. Following Peter Obi’s departure, which he said threw the South-East into confusion, the party had to select a running mate who demonstrated willingness to campaign nationwide.
“Amaechi got up to 500 and something votes in the primary, you cannot alienate them,” he added.While acknowledging the constraints, Okonkwo said he had pushed for broader consultation with South-East stakeholders so they could better understand the situation and present it to their people.
He praised Atiku’s leadership, noting that the former Vice President was out of the country when the initial announcement was made. Upon his return, Atiku halted proceedings and engaged in dialogue with all parties involved.
Okonkwo affirmed his loyalty, stating that as a party member, he accepts Amaechi as the running mate and will support the ticket. The clarification comes amid ongoing discussions within the opposition following the ADC’s recent court victory affirming its leadership structure.
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