Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has warned he will not campaign for the party’s presidential ticket if the vice-presidential slot is not given to the South-East zone.
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Okonkwo described the reported selection of a South-South candidate as “unfortunate” and a continuation of long-standing marginalisation of the South-East geopolitical zone.
“This Geo-Political Zone has neither produced a President or Vice President since 1999. To deny the South-East the opportunity to produce the President or Vice President in ADC in 2027 will amount to perpetuating the marginalisation,” he said.
Okonkwo noted that the ADC was founded by Ralph Nwosu from the South-East in 2005, who later sacrificed control of the party for the opposition coalition.
“I did not join the coalition to assist in the further marginalisation of my own people,” he added. “I am of the opinion that if we made a sacrifice to give up the National Chairman and the President, it will amount to unpardonable injustice to deny us the Vice President in 2027.”
He urged Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, to demonstrate commitment to the South-East by selecting a running mate from the zone.
“If it is confirmed that he has chosen a candidate from the South-South, I wish him well. I am not favourably disposed to campaigning for any presidential ticket that does not have a person of South-East origin as President or Vice in 2027,” Okonkwo stated.
The comments reflect deepening tensions within the opposition as parties finalise their 2027 tickets.
