Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has appointed actor-turned-politician, Kenneth Okonkwo as his spokesperson for the 2027 presidential race on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
Okonkwo announced the appointment on his official X handle on Thursday.
“I give God all the glory for being appointed by His Excellency Atiku Abubakar as his spokesperson. I thank His Excellency for the immense confidence reposed in me,” he said.
The ADC chieftain described Atiku’s leadership style as dialogue-driven.
“Rather than take offence at associates for expressing genuine reservations… His Excellency always opts for dialogue and compromise that engender solutions,” he stated.
Okonkwo said his talks with Atiku and other ADC leaders addressed concerns over the South-East’s political interests, “within the existing challenges posed by the Electoral Act, 2026, and the realities on the ground.”
He thanked Dr. Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman, Ralphs Nwosu, and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant, SSA on Special Duties, Dr. Ekene Onwuka, for work to strengthen the party ahead of 2027.
The appointment comes weeks after Okonkwo publicly faulted ADC’s choice of former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi as the vice presidential candidate.
Okonkwo warned that choosing a running mate from the South-South would “deepen the political marginalisation of the South-East,” which he said has not produced a president or vice president since 1999.
Despite that pushback, ADC named Amaechi, as Atiku’s running mate after he secured the party’s presidential ticket.
Okonkwo said he would need “wisdom, courage, provision and protection” for the role, adding: “which will usher in a glorious and great Nigeria.”