Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar has appointed actor-turned-politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, as his spokesperson.
The appointment comes weeks after Okonkwo publicly criticised the party’s choice of vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Okonkwo announced the development in a statement posted on his official X handle on Thursday, expressing gratitude to Atiku for the appointment.
“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 wrote.
The former spokesperson for the Labour Party presidential campaign described the appointment as a demonstration of Atiku’s leadership style, saying the former vice president embraces dialogue and consensus rather than taking offence at differing opinions.
“Rather than pick offence against any of his associates for expressing genuine reservations on any action taken, HE AA always opts for dialogue and compromise that will engender solutions to problems,” Okonkwo stated.
He disclosed that discussions with Atiku and other ADC leaders had addressed concerns over the political interests of the South-East despite what he described as the constraints posed 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 added.
Okonkwo also expressed appreciation to Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu, and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Ekene Onwuka, for their roles in strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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 said.
Before his appointment, Okonkwo had criticised reports that the ADC was considering a vice-presidential candidate from the South-South, warning that such a decision could further marginalise the South-East.
According to him, choosing a running mate from the South-South would deny the South-East the opportunity of producing either the president or vice president, a situation he said had persisted since 1999.
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