Peter Obi’s ‘unceremonious’ exit from ADC left Southeast disadvantaged, confused – Okonkwo
Exit of Peter Obi Leaves South-East Disadvantaged, ADC Chieftain Says
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Okonkwo, expressed concerns about the South-East region following Peter Obi’s departure from the party. In a Thursday interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Okonkwo stated that Obi’s exit has led to confusion and left the region at a disadvantage during the selection of Rotimi Amaechi as the party’s vice presidential candidate.
During the interview, Okonkwo addressed questions regarding Amaechi’s absence from social media in relation to his candidacy and clarified his previously stated reservations after Atiku Abubakar appointed him spokesperson. He noted that prior to the ADC presidential primary, a South-East representative had indicated interest in running but withdrew before the process concluded. This abrupt exit exacerbated the South-East’s predicament, according to Okonkwo.
“The person who represented the South-East in that calculation left unceremoniously, which has left the region disadvantaged and confused,” Okonkwo said. He emphasized that Obi’s departure created a vacancy that could not easily be filled due to the Electoral Act’s requirement that running mates must be party members for at least 21 days before the primary. Therefore, potential candidates such as Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala were not viable options.
“Some notable names were dropped off… but they were no longer members of the ADC,” Okonkwo explained, adding that this circumstance led Atiku to choose “the nearest person that is closest to the South-East.”
Addressing interpretations of his earlier comments as opposition to Amaechi’s selection, Okonkwo clarified that he had not specifically criticized Amaechi, who is of Igbo descent. Instead, he emphasized his concern regarding geopolitical representation, highlighting that the South-East has not had a president or vice president since 1999.
Feeling reassured by the party’s rationale for Amaechi’s selection, Okonkwo mentioned that internal discussions are ongoing to resolve any remaining concerns.
“We are now one big and happy family,” he stated. “ADC is going to form the next government of Nigeria, and Atiku will be the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by the grace of God.”
