2027: Atiku chose Amaechi to show he has nothing against Ndigbo – Okonkwo
Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has defended the selection of Rotimi Amaechi as the party’s vice-presidential candidate. He stated that the choice proves that presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar holds no prejudice against the Igbo people.
Addressing earlier concerns about the slot not going to the Southeast, Okonkwo explained that the party is using internal dialogue to unite its members. “The ADC has announced Rotimi Amaechi as the vice presidential candidate of ADC, and in our own nature, the way we do things, whenever such issue arises… we always go internally to negotiate, to dialogue democratically, so that we can reach compromise and come back together as one to move on,” he said.
Okonkwo clarified that he originally preferred a candidate from the Southeast for geopolitical balance, as the region has not produced a president or vice president since 1999. He noted that the departure of Peter Obi from the nomination process weakened the region’s standing, leaving the party with limited options under the Electoral Act.
He argued that the choice of Amaechi was a deliberate move to bridge the gap with the region. “That was why the excellency Atiku Abubakar still went to the nearest person that is closest to the southeast. In other words, for you to know that he has nothing against the Igbo people.” Okonkwo said.
Ultimately, Okonkwo expressed satisfaction with the decision after receiving assurances regarding the region’s interests. “When everything was now stated very well, and the interest of Ndigbo and Southeast was now recognized and guaranteed, then it was a go-go for me, and we are now one big and happy family,” he said.
