Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has appointed actor-turned-politician and ADC chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, as his spokesperson.
Okonkwo announced the 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 for being appointed by His Excellency Atiku Abubakar as his spokesperson. I thank His Excellency for the immense confidence reposed in me,” he said.
The appointment comes weeks after Okonkwo openly raised concerns over the ADC’s choice of vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election, citing the need to protect the political interests of the South-East.
Reflecting on his engagement with Atiku and party leaders, Okonkwo described the former vice president as a leader who embraces dialogue and consensus-building..
“Rather than take offence at associates for expressing genuine reservations about any action taken, His Excellency always opts for dialogue and compromise that engender solutions to problems,” he stated.
According to him, discussions held with Atiku and other leaders of the ADC addressed concerns relating to the South-East and provided assurances regarding the region’s place within the party’s broader political calculations.
“At a dialogue with His Excellency and other well-meaning members of the African Democratic Congress, the interests of the South-East were discussed and guaranteed within the existing challenges posed by the Electoral Act, 2026, and the realities on the ground,” he said.
Okonkwo also acknowledged the roles played by key party stakeholders in strengthening the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections. He specifically thanked Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu, and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Ekene Onwuka, for their contributions.
He further expressed appreciation to his family, friends and supporters for their encouragement and prayers.
“I still covet your prayers for wisdom, courage, provision and protection needed to carry out this challenging responsibility, which will usher in a glorious and great Nigeria,” he added.
Before the announcement of the vice-presidential candidate, Okonkwo had argued that selecting a running mate from the South-South would further deepen the political marginalisation of the South-East, noting that the region has not produced either a president or vice president since 1999.
Despite the concerns, the ADC eventually picked former Rivers State governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as Atiku’s running mate after the former vice president emerged as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
