The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, alongside legal practitioner Kenneth Okonkwo, has asserted that the party remains the most viable path to achieving an Igbo presidency. They argued that Peter Obi’s current political trajectory runs contrary to this objective.
The newly appointed Atiku spokesperson made the claim during an appearance on a Channels Tv interview.
When asked about his consistent opposition to Obi, he said “Peter Obi is the one who is now working against Igbo presidency and vice presidency because he came to the ADC on his own, and he said he was going to contest under the ADC, and he left about just one week to the close of time.”
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has not yet reacted to Okonkwo’s claims.
Meanwhile, the ADC chieftain and lawyer noted that his confidence in the party as the most viable path to an Igbo presidency was reinforced by the selection of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
“I am talking about geopolitical balancing because Amaechi is Igbo; he is already the vice presidential candidate. And that is why I am saying that is what makes me to even become more favourably disposed that ADC is the surest path to Igbo presidency,” he said.
Okonkwo added that he has nothing against Amaechi becoming Atiku’s running mate.
He claims that Amaechi, who is Igbo, will take over as Nigeria’s vice president following the 2027 presidential election.
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Backstory…
Kenneth Okonkwo’s allegation comes against the backdrop of renewed debate over the zoning of Nigeria’s presidency ahead of the 2027 and 2031 general elections.
Although the country’s Constitution does not mandate rotational presidency, the principle has become an influential political convention aimed at balancing power among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
Meanwhile, Okonkwo’s latest comments also reflect the widening rift between Peter Obi and Kenneth Okonkwo, who was one of Obi’s most prominent spokespersons during the 2023 presidential campaign. Since parting ways politically, Okonkwo has repeatedly criticised Obi’s political strategy, coalition efforts and leadership decisions ahead of the 2027 election.
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