JUST-IN: Atiku Appoints Kenneth Okonkwo As Campaign Spokesman

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has appointed a chieftain of the party, Kenneth Okonkwo, as his campaign spokesperson.

Okonkwo’s appointment surprisingly came weeks after he publicly criticised the party over its choice of a vice-presidential candidate for the forthcoming 2027 general election.

Announcing the appointment in a statement posted on his official X account on Thursday, Okonkwo expressed appreciation to Atiku for the confidence placed 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 wrote.

The actor-turned-politician described the appointment as a reflection of Atiku’s inclusive leadership style, noting that the former vice president welcomes constructive criticism rather than taking offence.

“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,” Okonkwo said.

According to him, discussions held with Atiku and other leaders of the ADC addressed concerns over the political interests of the South-East despite 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 stated.

Okonkwo also expressed gratitude to Atiku’s ally, 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 general 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.

LEADERSHIP reports that the appointment followed Okonkwo’s recent criticism of the ADC’s vice-presidential selection process, during which he warned that choosing a running mate from the South-South would further deepen the political marginalisation of the South-East.

He had argued that such a decision would leave the South-East without representation in either the presidency or vice presidency, a situation he said had persisted since 1999.

Despite the reservations, 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 secured the party’s presidential ticket at its nationwide direct primary ahead of the 2027 election.