Former Labour Party presidential campaign spokesperson and actor-turned-politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has criticized reports suggesting that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) may select its vice-presidential candidate from the South-South region ahead of the 2027 general election.
Okonkwo described the development as troubling and warned that such a decision could further deepen concerns about the political representation of the South-East within Nigeria's power structure.
Concern Over South-East Representation
In a statement shared on his social media platform, Okonkwo argued that the South-East has remained politically disadvantaged since Nigeria's return to democratic rule in 1999.
According to him, the region has neither produced a president nor a vice president during the current democratic dispensation, making the issue of inclusion increasingly important to many stakeholders from the zone.
He maintained that denying the South-East either the presidential or vice-presidential position on the ADC ticket would be unfair and difficult to justify.
"An Unpardonable Injustice"
Okonkwo stated that if reports of a South-South vice-presidential nominee prove accurate, it would amount to what he described as an "unpardonable injustice" against the South-East.
He argued that political balance and fairness should guide decisions concerning the composition of the party's presidential ticket.
According to him, the sacrifices made by leaders and supporters from the region in building and supporting coalition efforts should be recognized during key political negotiations.
References to ADC Coalition Efforts
The former Labour Party chieftain also referenced the contributions of former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, whom he credited with making significant sacrifices to facilitate the coalition project aimed at strengthening opposition politics ahead of 2027.
Okonkwo suggested that stakeholders who helped build the coalition should be treated fairly when major decisions regarding party leadership and candidacies are being made.
Message to Atiku Abubakar
The politician noted that one of the expectations he had from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was a demonstration of commitment to South-East inclusion.
He recalled previous political conversations suggesting support for a future South-East presidency and argued that selecting a vice-presidential candidate from the region would be a practical step toward achieving that goal.
According to Okonkwo, such a move would signal genuine commitment to equity and national unity.
Threatens to Withhold Campaign Support
Okonkwo further stated that he would find it difficult to campaign for the ADC presidential ticket if the reports are confirmed.
He stressed that his involvement in politics has always been driven by the desire to promote fairness, justice, and equal opportunities for all regions of the country.
The former actor insisted that political arrangements that exclude or marginalize any region could undermine efforts to build national cohesion.
Debate Over Zoning Intensifies
The comments have added to ongoing debates surrounding zoning, political inclusion, and power-sharing ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As political parties continue consultations and coalition discussions, questions about regional representation are expected to remain central to conversations surrounding presidential and vice-presidential nominations.
Observers say the eventual composition of party tickets could play a significant role in shaping voter perceptions and electoral outcomes in the next election cycle.
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