Actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo criticises the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over reports that it has chosen former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation Chibuike Amaechi as its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election. Okonkwo argues that selecting a running mate from the South-South could deepen feelings of marginalisation among voters in the South-East. In his statements circulated on social media, he says the South-East is the only geo-political zone that has not produced a President or Vice President since 1999, and he describes the decision as “perpetuating injustice.”

Okonkwo also points to political support arrangements within the party and coalition, including references to ADC founder Ralph Nwosu, whom he says sacrificed his leadership role in 2025 to strengthen the coalition. He says he had asked Atiku Abubakar to show commitment to a South-East presidency by selecting a running mate from the region.

Vanguard reports that an ADC chieftain, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, responds to Okonkwo’s criticism. Multiple outlets report that the ADC confirms Amaechi’s selection in Abuja, pairing him with Atiku, after consultations with party stakeholders and coalition partners nationwide.