KENNETH OKONKWO: WHY ATIKU DID NOT PICK A RUNNING MATE FROM THE SOUTH-EAST

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By; Ganiyat Sunmola

Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has denied claims that he opposed the emergence of former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi as the party’s vice-presidential candidate.

He also clarified that no individual from the South-East was eligible for the vice-presidential slot because none of his preferred candidates from the region met the party’s membership requirements before the primary election.

Okonkwo had previously criticised the choice of Amaechi, who is from the South-South, arguing that the vice-presidential ticket should have gone to the South-East. He also stated at the time that he would not campaign for Atiku if the running mate was not from the region.

However, speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, Okonkwo dismissed reports that he was opposed to Amaechi’s nomination.

“I do not know where you got that from,” he said when asked if he still held that position.

Responding to whether he supports Amaechi as the ADC vice-presidential candidate, Okonkwo said the former Rivers State governor remains the party’s choice and deserves the loyalty of all its members.

“First and foremost, he is the choice of the party, and every loyal party member should support that choice.

“I said I expected the vice president to come from the South-East. It was a geopolitical position, not about any individual. I also understood the limitations imposed by the Electoral Act 2026. For anyone to be eligible to contest, the person must have been a registered member of the party at least 21 days before the primary election.

“The people from the South-East whom I would have preferred were, strictly speaking, not registered members, so our options were limited,” he said.

Okonkwo explained that the main contenders for the party’s presidential ticket were Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Hayatu-deen and Peter Obi. He noted that after Obi left the race, the South-East was left without a viable contender for the vice-presidential position.

He also argued that Amaechi’s performance in the party’s primary election made it difficult to overlook his supporters.

“Amaechi secured more than 500 votes in the primary, and you cannot alienate those supporters. My position was that, despite the constraints, the party should have engaged South-East stakeholders, explained the situation and allowed them to communicate it to the people,” he said.

Okonkwo further disclosed that Atiku was outside the country when the announcement of the vice-presidential candidate was made, but upon his return, he suspended further actions and initiated consultations with party stakeholders.

According to him, Atiku’s decision to engage in dialogue demonstrated his commitment to inclusive leadership and internal party consensus.