ADC Crisis: Be mindful of comments on Amaechi, Eze warns Okonkwo

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has publicly warned Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo, the party's spokesman for its presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, to exercise caution with his public statements. Eze specifically called out Okonkwo for remarks suggesting that Abubakar had no choice but to select former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.

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Anyone who has followed Atiku Abubakar’s political journey knows that he has a mind of his own and is fully capable of taking decisions on matters of this nature.

Eze described Okonkwo's comments as "unfortunate, insulting and counterproductive," asserting that such statements could negatively impact public perception of both Abubakar and Amaechi. He stressed that Abubakar, with his extensive political experience, is fully capable of making independent decisions on critical political matters. "Anyone who has followed Atiku Abubakar’s political journey knows that he has a mind of his own and is fully capable of taking decisions on matters of this nature," Eze stated.

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Amaechi’s personality, political experience and national appeal add significant value to the ADC presidential ticket.

The ADC leader further argued that portraying Amaechi as an imposed choice diminishes his significant political achievements. Eze highlighted Amaechi's career, including his roles as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor of Rivers State, and former Minister of Transportation, describing him as one of Nigeria's most experienced politicians. He noted Amaechi's strong showings in past presidential primaries, finishing second to President Bola Tinubu in the APC primary and runner-up to Atiku in the ADC primary.

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Our focus should remain on building a united front. Internal disagreements should not distract us from our collective objective of providing Nigerians with a credible alternative.

Eze urged that Amaechi's selection as vice-presidential candidate should be seen as a strategic asset for the ADC, not an imposition. "Amaechi’s personality, political experience and national appeal add significant value to the ADC presidential ticket," he said. He cautioned that public comments creating controversy or negatively portraying party leaders could weaken the opposition's unity before the 2027 elections. Eze advised Okonkwo to refine his communication strategy and appealed to all ADC leaders and supporters to prioritize party unity over personal differences, focusing on presenting a united front to offer Nigerians a credible alternative.

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As things stand, we have a common objective. We need unity of purpose and must avoid comments that could weaken our collective resolve. Responsible communication and party cohesion remain essential to the success of the ADC in the forthcoming elections.