Kenneth Okonkwo Criticizes Atiku, Saying He Won’t Campaign for His South‑South Running Mate.

Former Labour Party presidential campaign spokesman Kenneth Okonkwo has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar after reports surfaced that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) might select its vice‑presidential candidate from the South‑South region.

In a post on X on Monday, Okonkwo called the alleged decision “unfortunate” and warned that it would continue the marginalisation of the South‑East, a region that has not produced a president or vice president since 1999.

He argued that denying the South‑East the chance to field either the ADC’s presidential or vice‑presidential candidate in the 2027 election would constitute an “unpardonable injustice.”

Okonkwo also cited former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, noting that the party founder had made significant sacrifices by relinquishing control to help build a coalition aimed at creating a better Nigeria.

“I heard from social media that the 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,” Okonkwo wrote. “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 would amount to unpardonable injustice to deny us the Vice President in 2027.”

The actor‑turned‑politician said that the only request he made to Atiku, who had previously presented himself as a pathway to a South‑East presidency, was to demonstrate that commitment by selecting a running mate from the region.

Okonkwo added that if the reports of a South‑South vice‑presidential nominee are confirmed, he would not be willing to campaign for the presidential ticket in 2027.

He maintained that he entered politics to fight for a Nigeria where no region or group is marginalised and insisted that the South‑East deserves representation on the presidential ticket.