Peter Obi ADC exit sparks debate as Kenneth Okonkwo says the move left South-East political representation disadvantaged ahead of 2027
Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign of Atiku Abubakar, has said Peter Obi’s exit from the party affected the South-East’s political positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also read: Bauchi APC Dismisses Defections, Says Party Remains Strong for 2027
Okonkwo made the comments on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, while responding to questions surrounding the party’s choice of running mate and why former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi had not publicly acknowledged his vice-presidential candidacy on social media.
The former Nollywood actor turned politician said the South-East had initially been represented in the ADC’s presidential calculations before Obi’s departure from the party disrupted the arrangement.
According to Okonkwo, Obi’s exit created uncertainty because potential candidates from the region who could have strengthened the ticket were no longer eligible under the party’s membership requirements.
“The person that represented the South-East in that calculation left unceremoniously before the conclusion of the process, that left the South-East disadvantaged and confused,” Okonkwo said.
He added that Obi’s departure created a vacancy in the party’s regional balancing strategy, making it difficult to consider several prominent figures who had been mentioned as possible options.
“Immediately Peter Obi exited, it was as if that position that would have been given to the South-East was vacant,” he said.
Okonkwo specifically referenced names including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, saying such figures could no longer be considered because they were not members of the ADC within the timeframe required by electoral regulations.
“Some beautiful names were dropped off. You talked about Abaribe, you talked about Ngozi Okonjo, you talked about some nice names, but those names, they were no longer members of ADC,” he said.
The comments come amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition parties working to build alliances, select candidates and strengthen regional support networks.
Peter Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has remained a major figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics, with his movements closely followed by political stakeholders across the country.
The ADC has continued preparations for the 2027 election cycle, with Atiku Abubakar emerging as its presidential candidate following the party’s primary process.
Also read: Bauchi APC Dismisses Defections, Says Party Remains Strong for 2027
Political analysts say regional representation remains a significant factor in Nigeria’s electoral calculations, as parties often consider geographic balance when selecting presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
