NEWS
Kenneth Okonkwo Withdraws Support for Atiku Over Alleged South-East Marginalisation Concerns
Nollywood actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has announced a withdrawal of his political support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, citing concerns over what he described as continued political marginalisation of the South-East in national power-sharing arrangements.
Okonkwo’s position followed reports that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had selected its vice presidential candidate from the South-South ahead of the 2027 general elections. The development, he suggested, runs contrary to expectations of equity and fairness within Nigeria’s zoning structure, especially as the South-East has not produced either a President or Vice President since 1999.
He argued that denying the South-East the opportunity to occupy either of the top two political offices in 2027 would amount to further exclusion of the region from national leadership. According to him, such an outcome would contradict the spirit under which political coalitions are expected to promote inclusion and national unity.
Okonkwo also referenced the historical roots of the African Democratic Congress African Democratic Congress, noting that it was founded by Ralph Nwosu, a figure from the South-East, who later stepped aside to support a broader coalition effort aimed at national political restructuring. He suggested that such sacrifices were made in the interest of inclusivity, not renewed marginalisation.
The actor-turned-politician maintained that his involvement in politics has always been driven by a desire to promote fairness across all geopolitical zones, stressing that he could not support any arrangement that sidelines his region from both the presidency and vice presidency in the 2027 elections.
He further recalled his earlier alignment with Atiku Abubakar, noting that he had expected stronger commitment to regional inclusion in the selection of a running mate.
However, following indications that a South-South candidate may have been chosen, he declared that he would no longer participate in campaigning for a ticket that does not feature either a South-East presidential or vice presidential candidate.
The development adds a new layer of tension within ongoing coalition discussions as political actors continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.