2027: Atiku chose Amaechi to show he has nothing against Ndigbo – Okonkwo
ADC Chieftain Defends Amaechi’s Vice Presidential Nomination
Kenneth Okonkwo, a leader in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has publicly defended the party’s decision to nominate former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as the vice-presidential candidate. He argued that this selection demonstrates presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar’s commitment to inclusion and fairness toward the Igbo community.
During a Thursday interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Okonkwo addressed concerns regarding Amaechi’s delayed acknowledgment of his nomination and his own previous reservations about the lack of representation from the Southeast.
“The ADC has nominated Rotimi Amaechi for the vice presidency, and we engage in internal dialogue to address any concerns,” Okonkwo stated. He emphasized that the party prioritizes democratic negotiations to ensure unity.
Okonkwo noted that ongoing internal discussions aim to address grievances and consolidate support ahead of the 2027 general election. He clarified that his earlier position was not an outright opposition to Amaechi, but rather a call for geopolitical balance in the representation of the Southeast, which he indicated has not held the presidency or vice presidency since 1999.
He explained that the withdrawal of Peter Obi, the Southeast’s presidential aspirant during the ADC’s nomination process, left the region at a disadvantage, complicating the party’s options within the confines of the Electoral Act.
Despite these challenges, Okonkwo pointed out that Atiku opted for Amaechi due to his close relationship with the Southeast, asserting that this choice reflected the party’s commitment to the Igbo community.
“Once it was clarified that the interests of the Ndigbo would be safeguarded, I supported the decision,” he added. “Now, we are united as one big family.”
