Okonkwo Reveals why Atiku Picked Amaechi

Okonkwo Reveals why Atiku Picked Amaechi

Amaechi Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate,Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed reports claiming,he opposed the selection of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as the party’s vice-presidential candidate.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, Okonkwo said his earlier comments about the vice-presidential position were based on regional considerations and were never directed against Amaechi as an individual.

He explained that his preference was for the position to go to the South-East, but he accepted the party’s final decision after considering the circumstances surrounding the selection process.

According to him, the Electoral Act 2026 limited the number of people who could qualify to contest because anyone seeking to participate in the primary election had to be a registered member of the party for at least 21 days before the exercise.

He said that many of the South-East politicians he would have preferred were not eligible under those rules, leaving the party with fewer options.

Okonkwo said the leading figures interested in the party’s presidential ticket before the primary included Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Hayatu-deen, and Peter Obi.

He explained that the political situation changed after Obi left the party, creating uncertainty in the South-East and affecting the search for a running mate.He said the party also had to consider the support Amaechi received during the presidential primary.

According to him, Amaechi secured more than 500 votes, making him a major figure within the party whose supporters could not be ignored during the selection process.

Okonkwo added that his concern was not about Amaechi’s personality but about the process used in reaching the decision. He believed party leaders should have met with stakeholders from the South-East to explain the reasons behind the choice before making the announcement public.

In his view, such discussions would have helped party members in the region better understand the situation.

He also spoke about his relationship with Atiku Abubakar, saying the former vice president appreciated his contributions despite disagreements they had in the past.

At the same time, Okonkwo accused his former political ally, Peter Obi, now the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate for the 2027 election, of abandoning him.

Okonkwo also explained that Atiku was outside Nigeria when the announcement of the vice-presidential candidate was first made.

He said that after returning to the country, Atiku stopped the process temporarily and began consultations with different groups within the party before allowing the matter to move forward.

According to Okonkwo, those discussions reflected Atiku’s willingness to listen to different opinions before taking further steps, even though the party eventually settled on Amaechi as its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election.