Kenneth Okonkwo, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) spokesman and aide to Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid, says Peter Obi’s exit from the party leaves Nigeria’s South-East “disadvantaged” and “confused” ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking on Channels Television’s “Morning Brief,” Okonkwo argues that a South-East contender who had shown interest in the ADC presidential primary later withdrew before the process concluded. He adds that Obi’s subsequent departure created an effective vacancy for a role that could have benefited the region.
Okonkwo also says the ADC has explained the rationale behind the party’s choices following internal negotiations, and that discussions are ongoing to address lingering concerns within the party. He further points to constraints under the Electoral Act, saying parties cannot select running mates who are not members at least 21 days before the primary. Because of this, he says potential South-East figures mentioned publicly, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, were ineligible if they were not ADC members within the timeframe.
