A prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has attributed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate to years of political engagement, extensive consultations, and a strong commitment to grassroots mobilization.
Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV on Wednesday, Okonkwo offered insights into the events leading up to the party’s presidential primary, describing Atiku’s success as the outcome of deliberate planning and sustained interaction with party stakeholders across the country.
According to the ADC chieftain, Atiku’s victory was not the product of chance or political convenience but rather the result of a systematic effort to build relationships within the party structure and earn the confidence of members at different levels.
Okonkwo emphasized that the former vice president distinguished himself during the lead-up to the primary election through relentless political activity and a willingness to engage directly with party leaders.
He explained that Atiku invested significant time in communicating with executives, delegates, and influential stakeholders in various states, ensuring that his message reached those responsible for shaping the party’s future direction.
During the interview, Okonkwo described Atiku as an exceptionally hardworking politician whose approach to electoral contests is marked by discipline and persistence.
He noted that the former vice president is known for paying attention to details and approaching political campaigns with seriousness regardless of his experience or status.
“Atiku Abubakar works hard; he is a workaholic and does not take anything for granted,” Okonkwo said while discussing the former vice president’s efforts ahead of the primary election.
He argued that one of Atiku’s defining characteristics is his refusal to rely solely on past accomplishments or political reputation.
Instead, according to Okonkwo, the ADC presidential candidate consistently prioritizes direct engagement with party members and remains actively involved in building support networks.
The party stalwart noted that Atiku’s strategy demonstrated a deep understanding of the realities of modern politics, where success often depends on maintaining strong connections with stakeholders and addressing concerns at the grassroots level.
He said the former vice president’s outreach efforts helped create a sense of confidence among party members who ultimately backed his candidacy.
Okonkwo further explained that Atiku’s political longevity is closely linked to his ability to adapt to changing circumstances while remaining committed to organizational work.
He suggested that the former vice president has remained a major force in Nigerian politics over the years because of his readiness to engage continuously with political actors and supporters rather than withdrawing from the process between election cycles.
Addressing claims that the outcome of the primary election may have been influenced by behind-the-scenes manipulation, Okonkwo firmly rejected such suggestions.
He insisted that the overwhelming support Atiku received within the party was earned through months of consultations, negotiations, and relationship-building efforts that strengthened his standing among delegates and party leaders.
According to him, many influential figures within the ADC openly declared their support for Atiku before the primary election, a development he believes reflected widespread confidence in the former vice president’s leadership abilities, political experience, and vision for the country.
The ADC chieftain maintained that the primary process demonstrated the party’s commitment to democratic principles and internal participation. He argued that Atiku’s emergence should be viewed as a reflection of the choices made by party members rather than the result of any external influence.
