Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, explains why the party’s vice-presidential candidate is not from Nigeria’s South-East. In interviews and statements reported by multiple outlets, Okonkwo rejects claims that he opposed Rotimi Amaechi’s selection and instead says his earlier position was based on geopolitical expectations, not personal resistance to any individual. He argues that legal and party-registration requirements limited the pool of eligible South-East candidates.

Okonkwo cites provisions of Nigeria’s Electoral Act that, he says, require aspirants to be registered members of the party at least 21 days before the primary. According to his account, preferred South-East figures were not registered members of the ADC within that timeframe, making them ineligible for consideration. He also points to the need to choose a running mate who would be prepared to campaign widely after internal uncertainties affecting South-East stakeholders. Okonkwo concludes that he accepts Amaechi as the running mate and will support the ticket, while characterizing Atiku’s handling of the process as involving dialogue after an initial announcement.