ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has appointed actor-turned-politician and party chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, as his spokesperson, weeks after the lawyer openly criticised the party’s choice of vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Okonkwo announced the appointment in a statement shared on his official X handle 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 wrote.
Reflecting on the appointment, Okonkwo described it as a demonstration of Atiku’s leadership style, saying the former vice president embraces dialogue and reconciliation rather than taking offence at differing opinions expressed by his associates.
“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.
He disclosed that discussions with Atiku and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress had addressed concerns relating to the political interests of the South-East despite what he described as the limitations imposed by the Electoral Act, 2026.
READ ALSO 2027: Voting Obi Means Backing Tinubu – Kenneth Okonkwo
“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.
Okonkwo 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 to 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.
The appointment comes only weeks after Okonkwo publicly faulted the selection of the ADC’s vice-presidential candidate, warning that the reported decision could further deepen what he described as the marginalisation of the South-East in Nigeria’s political leadership.
He had argued that reports indicating the party was considering a vice-presidential candidate from the South-South would once again deny the South-East the opportunity of producing either the President or Vice President, a situation he said had persisted since 1999.
The ADC has since settled the issue by selecting former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election after the former vice president emerged as the party’s presidential candidate at its nationwide primary.