A member of the House of Representatives of Nigeria representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, Harris Okonkwo, has expressed confidence that former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, will secure the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Okonkwo made the remark while speaking with journalists in Ojoto during a medical outreach organised by the Annie Okonkwo Foundation for residents of his constituency.
The federal lawmaker, who recently defected from the Labour Party to the ADC, said he and his supporters are committed to ensuring that Obi emerges as the party’s presidential candidate.
According to him, Nigerians would play a decisive role in determining who emerges as the party’s flagbearer.
“I believe that Nigerians know what is good for them. The good thing is that there will be no more delegates for the primaries, as it is going to be either by consensus or direct primaries,” Okonkwo said.
“So the people are the ones who will decide when it comes to selecting the presidential candidate,” he added.
Okonkwo also criticised certain provisions of the amended Electoral Act, arguing that they could undermine freedom of association and political participation.
He explained that although the law prevents individuals from belonging to more than one political party, it should not restrict citizens from supporting candidates outside their parties.
“One could belong to one party but decide to support a candidate in another party. There should be no limit to freedom of association,” he said.
The lawmaker further expressed concerns about what he described as poor management of national resources by government officials.
He urged leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens rather than what he termed excessive government spending.
“Our concern should be the way the Nigerian government manages our resources and the level of extravagance being exhibited at the expense of the people,” he said.
Okonkwo added that despite the challenges facing the country, he believes that justice and truth will ultimately prevail in Nigeria’s political system.
