2027: Atiku appoints Kenneth Okonkwo as spokesperson

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has named actor-turned-politician and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo as his spokesperson ahead of the 2027 general election.

Okonkwo disclosed the appointment in a statement posted on his official X page on Thursday, where he thanked Atiku for the opportunity and 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 said.

“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 also appreciated 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 efforts aimed at strengthening the party before the 2027 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.

Okonkwo’s appointment followed his recent criticism of the ADC’s choice of vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election. He had warned that reports of the party picking a candidate from the South-South could deepen what he described as the continued marginalisation of the South-East in national politics.

He maintained that such a decision would further shut the South-East out of both the presidency and vice-presidency, a pattern he said had remained since 1999.

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The ADC, however, has now picked former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as Atiku’s running mate after Atiku secured the party’s presidential ticket at its nationwide primary.