Veteran actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has issued a strong warning to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Atiku Abubakar after reports that the party selected a South-South vice presidential candidate for the 2027 election, accusing the move of perpetuating the long-standing marginalisation of the South-East geopolitical zone.
In a pointed statement, Okonkwo expressed deep disappointment, stressing that the South-East has not produced a President or Vice President since the return of democracy in 1999.
“I heard from the social media that ADC has picked its vice presidential candidate from the South-South. If this is true, it is unfortunate, as this will continue the crude marginalisation of the South-East.”
He reminded everyone that the ADC was founded by Ralphs Nwosu, a South-Easterner, who made a major sacrifice by stepping aside in 2025 to allow the coalition to form. Okonkwo argued that denying the zone the vice presidential slot would amount to betrayal.
“I did not join the coalition to assist in the further marginalisation of my own people. I am of the opinion that if we made a sacrifice to give up the National Chairman and the President, it will amount to unpardonable injustice to deny us the Vice President in 2027.”
The actor-turned-politician made it clear that he joined politics to fight for equity and fairness across Nigeria. He revealed that the only favour he requested from Atiku Abubakar — who had publicly positioned himself as a pathway for South-East presidency — was to pick a South-Easterner as running mate.
“If it is confirmed that he [Atiku] 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 in 2027.”
His position has ignited fresh debates within the opposition coalition, with many South-Eastern voices echoing concerns about continued exclusion from the highest offices despite their political contributions and sacrifices.
The development comes as the ADC continues to build momentum for the 2027 polls, with Atiku Abubakar widely reported as the party’s presidential candidate and Rotimi Amaechi from the South-South reportedly selected as his running mate.