The spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Kenneth Okonkwo, has denied reports that he opposed the selection of former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi as the party’s vice-presidential candidate.
Okonkwo also said Atiku recognised his contributions despite past disagreements, while accusing his former principal and Nigeria Democratic Congress 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of betraying him.
Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, Okonkwo said his earlier comments on the vice-presidential slot were based on geopolitical considerations rather than opposition to Amaechi personally.
“I do not know where you got that from,” he said when asked if he still opposed Amaechi’s emergence as Atiku’s running mate.
He stressed his support for the party’s decision, adding: “First and foremost, he is the choice of the party, and everybody that is a loyal party member.”
Okonkwo explained that he had previously argued the vice-presidential ticket should ideally go to the South-East, but said constitutional and electoral restrictions limited the available options.
“I said I expected that the Vice President should come from the South-East. It was a geopolitical expression, not directed at any individual. I also understood the limitations within the Electoral Act 2026. For anyone to be eligible, you must have been a registered member 21 days before the primary. Many of those I would have preferred from the South-East were not registered members, so we were restricted,” he said.
He noted that key figures considered during the build-up to the primary included Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Hayatu-deen, and Peter Obi.
“These were the people showing interest in the presidential contest. When Peter Obi left, the South-East was thrown into confusion. You then had to choose a vice-presidential candidate who had shown willingness to campaign nationwide,” he said.
Okonkwo also argued that Amaechi’s strong performance in the primary made him a significant stakeholder within the party.
“Amaechi got over 500 votes in the primary; you cannot alienate that bloc,” he said.
He added that his concern was the lack of broader consultation with South-East stakeholders before the final decision was made.
“What I was agitating for was engagement. Even with constraints, you should sit with the South-East and explain the situation. Then they would know how to respond,” he said.
Okonkwo further disclosed that Atiku was abroad when the vice-presidential announcement was initially made and later initiated consultations upon his return.
“Atiku was not in Nigeria when the party made the announcement. When he returned, he did the needful. Everything was paused, and he went into dialogue and consulted all stakeholders,” he said.
