A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chuwuemeka Eze has criticized Barr. Kenneth Okonkwo, the campaign spokesperson of, Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate for allegedly making unguarded remarks that belittle the credentials of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as the party’s Vice presidential candidate.
Eze, an ally of Amaechi, said in a statement that Okonkwo erred by insinuating that Atiku had no other option but to accept the nomination of Amaechi as his running mate, noting that Okonkwo’s comment is also an affront on the person and dignity of Atiku
He described Okonkwo’s suggestion as “sad, unfortunate and insulting” to the duo, stressing that to portray Amaechi as someone imposed on Atiku, undermines the stature and political pedigree of the former Vice President.
He said that Atiku has clearly shown over the years that he has the experience and capacity to make independent political decisions, adding that the choice of Amaechi should be seen as a strategic addition to the ADC’s presidential ticket rather than an imposition.
Eze said that Amaechi, having served as a two term speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly; another two term as governor of Rivers State, and almost two term as Minister of Transportation, shows that he has consistently for over seven years, and a leading presidential aspirant who has consistently served his fatherland.
Eze said: “Those of us who have followed Atiku’s political evolution from the beginning till date know that he has a mind of his own when time to take a decision like this arises.
“On the other hand, for Okonkwo to insinuate that Amaechi was imposed on Atiku implies that Amaechi wasn’t qualified to be nominated as the Vice President to Atiku.
“Any sound mind will agree that with his sixteen years as both Speaker and Governor of Rivers State respectively, Amaechi is not such a political figure to be assumed to have been imposed on Atiku, Eze stated.
“This is totally unacceptable, degrading and counter productive.
This again is an insult on the person and personality of Rt. Hon. Barr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who has all these years aspired to be the President of Nigeria considering his credentials after coming second to Tinubu during the 2023 APC Presidential Primaries and coming second to Atiku during the 2026 ADC Presidential Primaries.
“The truth is that Okonkwo must know that Amaechi’s personality and political sagacity add much value to the joint ticket of the presidential team of ADC.”
Eze said he has no reservation about Okonkwo’s serving as spokesperson, urging him however, to exercise restraint in his assignment by showing greater caution in public communication.
He also urged party leaders, spokespersons and supporters to avoid comments capable of creating division, noting that unity of purpose remains essential to the party’s success in the forthcoming elections.
He encouraged Okonkwo to emulate experienced political communicators in managing sensitive political issues and to ensure that his public engagements strengthen rather than weaken the party’s image.
