Kenneth Okonkwo Withdraws Support for Atiku

Former spokesperson of the Labour Party presidential campaign, Kenneth Okonkwo, has announced his withdrawal of support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s expected 2027 presidential ambition, citing concerns over the alleged continued marginalisation of the South-East.

Okonkwo, in a statement shared on his X handle, said he was disappointed by reports that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition had picked its vice-presidential candidate from the South-South region.

He described the development, if confirmed, as an “unfortunate” decision that would further deny the South-East a fair opportunity in Nigeria’s political arrangement.

According to him, the South-East geopolitical zone has not produced a President or Vice President since the return of democracy in 1999, arguing that excluding the region from the 2027 ADC presidential ticket would amount to continuing the injustice.

“The South-East has neither produced a President or Vice President since 1999. To deny the South-East the opportunity to produce the President or Vice President in ADC in 2027 will amount to perpetuating the marginalisation,” Okonkwo stated.

He recalled that the ADC was founded by Ralph Nwosu from the South-East in 2005, saying Nwosu’s decision to step aside for the coalition in 2025 was a sacrifice made in the interest of building a better Nigeria.

Okonkwo said he could not support a political arrangement that would further disadvantage his region, stressing that his involvement in politics was based on the principle of fairness and equal representation.

“I did not join the coalition to assist in the further marginalisation of my own people,” he said.

The former actor-turned-politician said he had appealed to Atiku Abubakar, who had previously presented himself as a pathway for the South-East to attain the presidency, to demonstrate that commitment by selecting a running mate from the region.

Okonkwo added that if reports of a South-South vice-presidential choice were confirmed, he would wish Atiku well but would not campaign for any presidential ticket that does not have a South-East candidate as either President or Vice President in 2027.

“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 in 2027,” he said.