Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has appointed actor-turned-politician and senior party chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, as his official spokesperson, weeks after the former Labour Party spokesman publicly criticised the party’s choice of vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Okonkwo announced the appointment in a statement posted on his official X account on Thursday, expressing appreciation to Atiku for entrusting him with the role despite his earlier reservations over the party’s decisions.
“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.
Reflecting on his earlier criticism of the party’s vice-presidential selection, Okonkwo praised Atiku’s leadership style, saying the former vice president chose dialogue over resentment.
“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 stated.
According to Okonkwo, subsequent engagements with Atiku and other ADC leaders resulted in assurances that the interests of the South-East would be protected despite constraints 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 said.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu, and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dr. Ekene Onwuka, for their roles in strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general election.
Okonkwo further thanked his family, supporters and associates for standing by him, while seeking continued prayers as he assumes his new responsibility.
“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 marks a significant reconciliation within the ADC after Okonkwo openly questioned the party’s vice-presidential choice. He had argued that reports of the selection of a South-South running mate would further deepen the exclusion of the South-East from Nigeria’s top political offices, noting that the region had neither produced a president nor vice president since 1999.
The controversy was eventually settled after the ADC formally unveiled former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as Atiku’s running mate following the former vice president’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
