Atiku Appoints Kenneth Okonkwo as Spokesperson Weeks After ADC Running Mate Dispute

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has appointed Kenneth Okonkwo as his spokesperson, weeks after the actor-turned-politician publicly criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC)'s choice of vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Okonkwo announced the appointment in a statement shared 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.

He described the appointment as a reflection of Atiku's leadership style, saying, "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."

Okonkwo revealed that during discussions with Atiku and other leaders of the ADC, concerns about the interests of the South-East were addressed despite what he described as challenges created 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 stated.

He also thanked Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu, and Atiku's Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, 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 choosing a candidate from the South-South would deepen what he described as the marginalisation of the South-East in national politics.

He argued that the decision 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 selected Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers State governor and former Minister of Transportation, as Atiku's running mate for the 2027 presidential election after Atiku emerged as the party's presidential candidate at the party's nationwide primary.