Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has appointed African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo as his spokesperson, weeks after the actor-turned-politician publicly criticised the party’s choice of vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Okonkwo announced his appointment in a statement posted on his official X account on Thursday, expressing gratitude to Atiku for the confidence reposed in him.
“I give God all the glory to be appointed by His Excellency Atiku Abubakar as his spokesperson. I thank HE AA for the immense confidence reposed in me,” he said.
Describing the appointment as reflective of Atiku’s leadership style, Okonkwo said the former vice president embraces dialogue rather than taking offence at dissenting views.
“Rather than pick offence against any of his associates for expressing genuine reservations about any action taken, HE AA always opts for dialogue and compromise that will engender solutions to problems,” he stated.
Okonkwo said discussions with Atiku and other ADC leaders had addressed concerns about the South-East’s interests despite what he described as constraints imposed by the Electoral Act, 2026.
“At a dialogue with HE AA and other well-meaning members of the African Democratic Congress, the interests of the South-East have been discussed and guaranteed within the existing challenges posed by the Electoral Act, 2026, and the realities on the ground,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to Dr Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu, and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dr Ekene Onwuka, for their contributions to strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 election.
“My sincere gratitude to my family, fans, and friends for their support and prayers, which God answered in covering my errors and colouring my efforts to pave way for this appointment. I still covet your prayers for wisdom, courage, provision, and protection needed to carry out this challenging post, which will usher in a glorious and great Nigeria,” he added.
The appointment comes weeks after Okonkwo criticised the selection of the ADC’s vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election, warning that the reported decision could deepen what he described as the marginalisation of the South-East in national politics.
He argued that reports indicating the party had settled on a candidate from the South-South for the vice-presidential slot would further deny the South-East representation in either the presidency or vice presidency—a situation he said had persisted since 1999.
The ADC has since confirmed former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as Atiku’s running mate after Atiku secured the party’s presidential ticket at its nationwide primary ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
