All Democratic Party (ADA): Kenneth Okonkwo Says Presidential Ticket Will Be Open to All Regions

Veteran actor, lawyer, and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has announced that the All Democratic Party (ADA)—a new political coalition—will open its 2027 presidential ticket to candidates from every region in Nigeria.

Okonkwo, who served as spokesperson for Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flag bearer Peter Obi, made this statement during a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. He emphasized that no aspirant from any geopolitical zone would be restricted from contesting under the new party’s platform.

“I have said it clearly, nobody is going to stop anybody from contesting for the presidential ticket in the coalition, nobody,” he stressed.

He noted that due to Nigeria’s complex political landscape, regional favoritism must be avoided. Okonkwo argued that trusting political promises has become difficult, even when candidates vow to serve only one term.

“Politicians have shown that it is very difficult to trust them even when the person promises one term,” he stated.
“If someone from the South has already taken a term and isn’t delivering—like Tinubu—the issue becomes critical. You can’t then bring in another Southerner who would likely serve eight years. That would trigger a response from the North, saying it’s unjust.”

He proposed an open presidential race, where the most competent candidate, regardless of region, can emerge. This, he believes, would foster unity and national progress.

“The best is to throw it open. When the best comes in, every other person will support him and the person will promise to do four years,” Okonkwo concluded.

The ADA emerged as the political vehicle of a national coalition aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. According to reports late last week, the coalition has officially settled on the ADA platform.

Key political heavyweights involved include:

• Atiku Abubakar (former Vice President)
• Nasir El-Rufai (former Kaduna State Governor)
• Rotimi Amaechi (former Rivers State Governor)
• Peter Obi (former Labour Party presidential candidate)
• David Mark (former Senate President)
• And other influential figures across Nigeria’s political scene

The formation of ADA marks a major realignment ahead of the 2027 elections and signals an attempt by opposition figures to offer an alternative to the current administration.