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

By Daniel Abia, PORT HARCOURT

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has cautioned the party’s spokesman for its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo, against making comments capable of undermining former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Eze described Okonkwo’s recent remarks suggesting that Atiku had no alternative but to accept Amaechi as his running mate as “unfortunate, insulting and counterproductive,” warning that such statements could affect the public perception of both politicians.

He said Atiku’s political experience and long-standing career showed that the former vice-president was 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 said.

The ADC chieftain argued that portraying Amaechi as an imposed choice also diminished the former Rivers State governor’s political achievements and contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.

He highlighted Amaechi’s record as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor of Rivers State, former Minister of Transportation and presidential aspirant, describing him as one of the country’s most experienced political figures.

Eze recalled that Amaechi emerged second behind President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary and also finished as runner-up to Atiku during the ADC presidential primary.

He said Amaechi’s emergence as the party’s vice-presidential candidate should be viewed as a strategic advantage for the ADC rather than an imposition.

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

He warned that public comments capable of creating unnecessary controversy or portraying party leaders negatively could weaken the opposition party’s unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former publicity secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) advised Okonkwo to improve his communication approach by learning from individuals who had excelled in political messaging.

Eze, however, appealed to ADC leaders, spokespersons and supporters to place party unity above personal differences as the party prepares for the general elections.

“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,” he said.

He added: “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.”

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