By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
Former Labour Party presidential campaign spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, has strongly criticised reports that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has finalised arrangements for its 2027 presidential ticket without accommodating the South-East zone, describing such a move as unfortunate and potentially damaging to national unity.
In a statement posted on his verified X account on Monday, Okonkwo said he learnt of the reported zoning arrangement — which allegedly pairs former Vice President Atiku Abubakar with a South-South running mate — through social media.
“I learned through social media reports that the party had chosen a running mate from the South-South… if this is true, it is unfortunate,” he stated.
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Okonkwo argued that since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, the South-East has not produced either a president or vice president, and warned that the region must not be sidelined again in the 2027 electoral cycle.
He drew attention to the origins of the ADC, noting that the party was founded in 2005 by Ralph Nwosu, who hails from the South-East. According to him, the party’s founding history should translate into greater sensitivity to regional inclusion.
“The ADC was founded by Ralph Nwosu from the South-East. He made the sacrifice of relinquishing control for a broader coalition,” Okonkwo said.
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He maintained that his involvement in coalition politics was not intended to endorse further marginalisation of his people, insisting that fairness and equity must remain central to political negotiations.
“I did not join the coalition to assist in the further marginalisation of my own people,” he added.
Okonkwo also referenced his earlier appeal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whom he said had portrayed himself as a bridge to South-East presidential aspiration, urging him to back that claim with concrete action.
“The only favour I asked Atiku Abubakar… is to demonstrate it by choosing someone from the South-East as his vice,” he said.
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He warned that he would be unwilling to campaign for any 2027 presidential ticket that excludes the South-East from either the presidential or vice-presidential slot, insisting that his political stance is anchored on justice rather than personal interest.
The remarks come amid ongoing realignments within the opposition, as major political figures continue to negotiate possible alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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Political analysts say Okonkwo’s position reflects growing agitation in the South-East for meaningful inclusion in the emerging opposition coalition, especially after the region’s perceived marginalisation in previous national contests.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
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