Why Atiku’s running mate didn’t come from South-East — Okonkwo

Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said the party’s vice-presidential candidate did not emerge from the South-East because of constraints imposed by the Electoral Act and the outcome of the party’s primary.

Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, Okonkwo dismissed claims that he opposed the selection of Rotimi Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate.

He said his earlier position was that the vice-presidential slot should ideally go to the South-East, stressing that his comments were based on geopolitical considerations rather than opposition to Amaechi.

According to him, the Electoral Act 2026 requires anyone seeking elective office to have been a registered party member at least 21 days before the primary, limiting the number of eligible candidates from the South-East.

Okonkwo said that before the party’s presidential primary, the main contenders were Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Hayatu-deen and Peter Obi.

He argued that Peter Obi’s departure from the race weakened the South-East’s chances of producing the vice-presidential candidate, while Amaechi’s strong performance at the primary made him a key stakeholder whose supporters could not be overlooked.

According to Okonkwo, Amaechi secured more than 500 votes during the primary, making it politically difficult for the party to ignore his support base.

He, however, maintained that the party should have consulted stakeholders from the South-East before reaching a final decision on the running mate.

Okonkwo also disclosed that Atiku was outside Nigeria when the party initially announced the vice-presidential candidate and, upon his return, suspended the process to consult with party stakeholders before proceeding.

The former spokesman also said Atiku had acknowledged his contributions to the campaign despite his previous criticisms, while accusing his former principal, Peter Obi, of betraying him.