Kenneth Okonkwo Rejects ADC’s Choice of Rotimi Amaechi as Vice‑Presidential Candidate
African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo has publicly opposed the party’s selection of former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi as its vice‑presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
The ADC justified Amaechi’s nomination by pointing to his extensive experience in both the legislative and executive arms of government — having served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two‑term Governor of Rivers State, and former Minister of Transportation. The party believes his background will complement Atiku Abubakar’s leadership, broaden national appeal, and present Nigerians with a credible alternative.
In a post on his 𝕏 handle, Okonkwo argued that choosing Amaechi would perpetuate the marginalisation of the South‑East, a region that has not produced a president or vice president since 1999.
He recalled the sacrifice of former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, who relinquished control of the party to facilitate a coalition aimed at building a better Nigeria. Okonkwo stated that he joined the coalition not to further sideline his own people, and that he would refuse to campaign for an ADC ticket lacking South‑East representation.
“I heard from social media that ADC has picked its vice presidential candidate from the South‑South. If true, this is unfortunate, as it will continue the crude marginalisation of the South‑East,” Okonkwo said.
“This Geo‑Political Zone has neither produced a President nor Vice President since 1999. Denying the South‑East the opportunity to produce the President or Vice President in ADC in 2027 will amount to perpetuating the marginalisation.”
“The ADC was founded by Ralph Nwosu from the South‑East in 2005. He gave up the party in 2025 for the coalition to usher in a better Nigeria. He could not have made that sacrifice to marginalise his own people.”
“I did not join the coalition to assist in the further marginalisation of my own people. I believe that if we sacrificed the National Chairman and the Presidency, it would be an unpardonable injustice to deny us the Vice Presidency in 2027.”
“I entered politics to fight for a better Nigeria where no region, Geo‑Political Zone, or individual is marginalised.”
“The only favour I asked Atiku Abubakar, who openly declared that he is the pathway to the presidency of the South‑East, was to demonstrate that commitment by selecting a running mate from the South‑East.”
“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.”
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