Kenneth Okonkwo, Nollywood actor and former Labour Party presidential campaign spokesman, has rejected reports that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has settled its 2027 presidential ticket, warning that the move could deepen what he described as the longstanding political marginalisation of Nigeria’s South-East.
Okonkwo said he learned through social media that the party had allegedly chosen a running mate from the South-South. “If this is true, it is unfortunate,” he wrote on X. He argued that since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the South-East has not produced either a president or vice president, insisting that the region should not be sidelined again.
He pointed to the ADC’s origins, noting that it was founded in 2005 by Ralph Nwosu, who hails from the South-East. “The ADC was founded by Ralph Nwosu from the South-East. He made the sacrifice of relinquishing control for a broader coalition. I did not join the coalition to assist in the further marginalisation of my own people,” Okonkwo said.
Okonkwo added that excluding the South-East from both the presidential and vice-presidential slots in 2027 would be “an unpardonable injustice.” He also referenced his earlier appeal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, urging him to demonstrate his claim of being a bridge to South-East aspirations by choosing a running mate from the region. “The only favour I asked Atiku Abubakar is to demonstrate it by choosing someone from the South-East as his vice,” he said.
His comments have sparked reactions across social media and among political stakeholders. “How long will the South-East be treated as outsiders in their own country? Kenneth is right,” wrote one user. Another countered: “Okonkwo is playing ethnic politics. Nigeria needs competence, not zoning.”
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe said, “This exclusion is unacceptable. The South-East must be part of Nigeria’s leadership equation.” An ADC insider, speaking anonymously, defended the reported choice: “The decision was strategic. We need votes from the South-South to challenge APC.”
Opinion leaders also weighed in. Political economist Pat Utomi said, “Equity is the foundation of democracy. Ignoring the South-East again risks deepening national divisions.” Former PDP spokesman Olisa Metuh added, “Kenneth Okonkwo is speaking the minds of millions of Igbos. The injustice is glaring.”
Voices from the Igbo community echoed the sentiment. “We have sacrificed enough. Why can’t they give us even the vice president?” asked Ngozi Eze, a trader in Onitsha. A youth activist in Enugu warned, “If ADC ignores us, we will ignore them at the polls.”
Others across Nigeria offered different perspectives. A northern commentator said, “Politics is about numbers. The South-East must build alliances instead of demanding entitlement.” A South-West analyst noted, “Okonkwo’s warning is valid. Nigeria cannot continue to marginalise one region and expect unity.”
The controversy underscores Nigeria’s unresolved struggle with power rotation and inclusivity, raising questions about how opposition parties will balance regional demands ahead of the 2027 elections.
