Politics
BREAKING: Kenneth Okonkwo makes u-turn, withdraws support for Atiku
Nollywood actor and politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has withdrawn his support for the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, citing what he described as continued political marginalisation of the South-East geopolitical zone ahead of the 2027 general election.
Okonkwo’s decision followed the reported emergence of former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, from the South-South, as Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 presidential race.
In a statement posted on his official X handle, Okonkwo said the development undermines efforts to address long-standing concerns about regional inclusion in Nigeria’s highest political offices.
He argued that the South-East has not produced a President or Vice President since 1999, insisting that any political arrangement that again excludes the region from the top two executive positions would amount to “unacceptable injustice.”
According to him, the ADC founder, Ralphs Nwosu, who hails from the South-East, did not relinquish party leadership to support a coalition that would further sideline his region.
“I did not join the coalition to assist in the marginalisation of my own people further,” Okonkwo stated, adding that his involvement in politics is driven by the quest for equity and fairness across all geopolitical zones.
He maintained that he would not support or campaign for any presidential ticket that does not feature a South-East candidate either as President or Vice President in 2027.
Okonkwo also recalled his earlier appeal to Atiku Abubakar, urging him to demonstrate inclusivity by selecting a running mate from the South-East.
“If it is confirmed that he has chosen a candidate from the South-South, I wish him well,” he said, reiterating his position that equity must guide political negotiations ahead of the next general elections.
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