Prominent actor-turned-politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has expressed disappointment over reports that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has chosen its 2027 vice-presidential candidate from the South-South region, warning that the decision could further marginalise the South-East.
In a statement shared on his social media handles, Kenneth Okonkwo argued that the South-East remains the only geo-political zone that has neither produced a President nor a Vice President since 1999, insisting that excluding the region from the vice-presidential slot would deepen feelings of injustice.
The development comes amid reports that the ADC has selected former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The party announced the decision in a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, following consultations with stakeholders and coalition partners.
Kenneth Okonkwo said the founding history of the ADC, established in 2005 by Ralph Nwosu from the South-East, makes the current decision particularly sensitive.
“The ADC was founded by Ralph Nwosu from the South-East in 2005. He made the sacrifice to give up the party in 2025 for the coalition to usher in a better Nigeria. He couldn’t have made that sacrifice to marginalise his own people,” he said.
He maintained that after the party founder relinquished both the national chairmanship and presidential ticket, it would be unfair to deny the South-East the vice-presidential position.
Okonkwo also stated that he had earlier urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to demonstrate commitment to equity by selecting a running mate from the South-East.
“I joined politics to fight for a better Nigeria where no region, geo-political zone, or person will be marginalised,” he said.
He further noted that if the reports are confirmed, he would not support a presidential ticket that does not include either a President or Vice President from the South-East in 2027, adding that he remains committed to fairness and inclusivity in Nigerian politics.
