Former Labour Party presidential campaign spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, has criticised reports suggesting that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) may select its 2027 vice-presidential candidate from the South-South region.
In a post on X on Monday, Okonkwo described the reported decision as disappointing, warning that it could deepen long-standing concerns about the exclusion of the South-East from Nigeria’s highest political offices.
He argued that the South-East has not produced either a president or vice president since 1999, and said excluding the region again in the 2027 electoral cycle would be unjust.
Okonkwo said that if the ADC proceeds with a South-South vice-presidential pick, it would amount to continued political marginalisation of the South-East. He insisted that the region deserves consideration for either the presidential or vice-presidential slot.
He also referenced the role of former ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, noting that sacrifices were made within the coalition arrangement aimed at restructuring political leadership ahead of 2027.
According to him, the expectation among some stakeholders was that such sacrifices would translate into fair inclusion for the South-East in the party’s top ticket.
“I heard from social media that the ADC has picked its vice presidential candidate from the South-South. If this is true, it is unfortunate,” he wrote, adding that he did not join the coalition to reinforce exclusion of his region.
Okonkwo further stated that his only condition in engaging with Atiku Abubakar politically was that the South-East would be given a meaningful role on the ticket, including the possibility of producing the running mate.
He warned that if the report is confirmed, he would not participate in campaigning for the party’s presidential ticket in 2027.
He maintained that his political involvement is driven by the goal of equitable representation across all regions, stressing that the South-East should not be sidelined in national leadership decisions.
