Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has named actor-turned-politician and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo as his spokesperson, weeks after Okonkwo openly criticised the party’s decision on its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Okonkwo confirmed the appointment in a statement posted on his official X account on Thursday, thanking Atiku for entrusting him with the role.
“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.
He said the appointment reflected Atiku’s approach to leadership, noting that the former vice president welcomes differing opinions instead of treating criticism as disloyalty.
“Rather than pick offence against any of his associates for expressing genuine reservations of any action taken, HE AA always opts for dialogue and compromise that will engender solution to problems,” he said.
Okonkwo revealed that discussions with Atiku and other ADC leaders addressed concerns surrounding the political interests of the South-East, despite what he described as the limitations 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 stated.
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 toward strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
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“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 follows Okonkwo’s recent criticism of the ADC’s choice of vice-presidential candidate. He had argued that reports suggesting the party would pick a candidate from the South-South could further deepen what he described as the continued political marginalisation of the South-East.
According to him, selecting a running mate from the South-South would deny the South-East the opportunity to produce either the president or vice president, a situation he said has persisted since 1999.
The ADC has since named former Rotimi Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate after Atiku secured the party’s presidential ticket during its nationwide primary ahead of the 2027 election.