By Emamuzo Iboma
Kenneth Okonkwo, a renowned politician, lawyer, and actor, has announced that the presidential ticket of the newly formed All Democratic Party (ADA) will be open to candidates from all regions of Nigeria.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Okonkwo, who previously served as the spokesperson for the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, emphasized that the coalition is committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive selection process. He stated that no individual from any part of the country would be excluded from contesting for the party’s presidential ticket.
“I have made it clear — nobody will be prevented from contesting for the presidential ticket in the coalition,” Okonkwo said. “Politicians have shown that trust is difficult, even when promises are made for a single term. If someone from the South has served a term and underperforms, like Tinubu, issues arise. Then, a Southerner could be expected to serve a full eight-year term. But the North will see that as injustice, especially if Tinubu’s performance is lacking.”
He argued that the most equitable path forward is to open the process to all zones, allowing the best candidate to emerge. According to him, once that happens, everyone would support the winner, who would then commit to serving a single four-year term.
The coalition includes several high-profile political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Senate President David Mark, among others.
