Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has announced the withdrawal of his support for Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election. This decision follows the ADC's selection of Rotimi Amaechi as Atiku's running mate, a choice Okonkwo vehemently opposes.
Okonkwo's Criticism of Vice Presidential Pick
Okonkwo criticized the party's decision to pick the vice presidential candidate from the South-South region instead of the South-East. He described the move as a perpetuation of the marginalization of the South-East, which has neither produced a President nor a Vice President since Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999.
In a statement issued via his X handle @realkenokonkwo on Monday, June 15, 2026, Okonkwo expressed his disappointment: "I heard from social media that ADC has picked its vice presidential candidate from the South-South. If this is true, it is unfortunate, as this will continue the crude marginalisation of the South-East."
Okonkwo's Political Stance
Okonkwo emphasized that he joined politics to fight for a better Nigeria where no region, geo-political zone, or person would be marginalized. He stated that he did not join the coalition to further marginalize his own people from the South-East region.
"The only favour I asked Atiku Abubakar, who openly declared that he is the pathway to the presidency of the South-East, is to show it by choosing someone from the South-East to be his Vice," Okonkwo said. "If it is confirmed that he has chosen a candidate from the South-South, I wish him well. I am not favourably disposed to campaigning for any presidential ticket that does not have a person of South-East origin as President or Vice President in 2027."
Atiku Reacts to Court Order
Earlier on Monday, June 15, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and four other opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections. Atiku, a former vice president, faulted President Bola Tinubu in a reaction made through his spokesperson, Paul Ibe.
Presidency Breaks Silence
Meanwhile, Atiku has reportedly endorsed rotational presidency as political leaders seek unity ahead of the 2027 elections. Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, revealed the historical context of the zoning decision linked to the annulled June 12 elections. Nigerians have reacted to Atiku's candidacy, sparking fierce debates about the political future and leadership choices.
