Kenneth Okonkwo, serving as the spokesperson for ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed suggestions that he opposes the party’s choice of Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate. Okonkwo explained that the lack of South-East representation on the ticket was a technical necessity rather than a deliberate slight.
Addressing the matter on Channels TV, Okonkwo clarified that under the Electoral Act, potential candidates must be registered party members at least 21 days before the primary. Consequently, the individuals from the South-East whom he personally favored were ineligible because they were not registered members of the ADC at the required time.
Okonkwo emphasized that his earlier advocacy for a South-East candidate was a statement on geopolitical representation rather than a personal grievance. He noted that after Peter Obi left the party, the South-East faced political uncertainty. He argued that the party should have engaged in dialogue with South-East stakeholders to explain these structural constraints. Ultimately, Okonkwo expressed support for the party’s decision, noting that Atiku Abubakar handled the situation professionally through consultation upon his return to Nigeria.
