Actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over reports that it picked its 2027 vice-presidential candidate from the South-South, warning that the move would further marginalise the South-East.
In a statement on his social media platforms, Okonkwo said the South-East remains the only geopolitical zone yet to produce a President or Vice President since 1999. He argued that denying the zone the VP slot would amount to perpetuating injustice against its people.
His remarks followed the ADC’s announcement of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as its vice-presidential candidate for 2027, running alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The party confirmed the selection in a statement issued in Abuja by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi after consultations with stakeholders, coalition partners, and regional representatives.
“The ADC was founded by Ralph Nwosu from the South-East in 2005. He sacrificed the party in 2025 for the coalition to birth a better Nigeria. He couldn’t have made that sacrifice to marginalise his own people,” Okonkwo said.
He insisted that after relinquishing both the party’s national chairmanship and presidential ticket, it would be unjust to also deny the South-East the vice-presidential slot.
Okonkwo said his only request to Atiku Abubakar — who had pledged support for a future South-East president — was to demonstrate that commitment by choosing a running mate from the region.
“I joined politics to fight for a Nigeria where no region, zone, or person is marginalised,” he stated.
The former Labour Party chieftain added that if the South-South VP nomination is confirmed, he would not campaign for any presidential ticket that excludes a South-East candidate as President or Vice President.
“I wish him well. I am not favourably disposed to campaigning for any presidential ticket without a South-East candidate as President or VP in 2027,” he said.