Why Atiku settled for Amaechi over South-East running mate — Kenneth Okonkwo

The Spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Kenneth Okonkwo, has explained why former Vice President Atiku Abubakar did not pick his running mate from the South-East, saying the decision was shaped by the party’s internal realities and provisions of the Electoral Act.

Okonkwo also dismissed reports that he opposed the emergence of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 presidential poll, insisting his earlier position was based on geopolitical considerations rather than personal objections.

Atiku had defeated Amaechi in the ADC nationwide direct presidential primary to emerge the party’s flag bearer. Amaechi, however, rejected the outcome of the exercise, alleging irregularities.

In a move to mend fences, Atiku visited Amaechi days after the primary for reconciliation talks. Weeks later, the ADC named Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

Before his appointment as Atiku’s campaign spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo had argued that the vice-presidential slot should have gone to the South-East to reflect the region’s aspirations.

However, he has now clarified that his position was based on geopolitical considerations rather than opposition to Amaechi’s nomination.

Speaking on Channels Television, Okonkwo said he had advocated that the vice-presidential slot should go to the South-East to promote regional balance but admitted that the party had limited options because of the Electoral Act’s membership requirements.

“I expected the vice-presidential candidate to come from the South-East. It was a geopolitical position, not opposition to any individual,” he said.

According to him, many of the South-East politicians he would have preferred were ineligible because they were not registered members of the ADC at least 21 days before the party’s presidential primary, as required by law.

He said the principal contenders within the party before the primary were Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Hayatu-deen and Peter Obi.

Okonkwo noted that the exit of Obi from the race weakened the South-East’s chances of producing the vice-presidential candidate, leaving the party with fewer viable options.

He also argued that Amaechi’s strong performance at the presidential primary, where he secured over 500 votes, made him a major stakeholder whose political base could not be ignored.

“Amaechi got over 500 votes at the primary. You cannot alienate those supporters,” he said.

Despite defending the choice of Amaechi, Okonkwo maintained that the ADC leadership should have consulted key stakeholders from the South-East before announcing its decision to foster inclusiveness and avoid feelings of marginalisation.

He further disclosed that Atiku was out of the country when the initial announcement of the vice-presidential candidate was made and, upon his return, suspended the process to consult widely with party stakeholders before ratifying the decision.