Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for 2027, has named actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo as his spokesperson.
Okonkwo announced the appointment in a statement on his official X handle on Thursday, thanking Atiku for the trust placed in him.
“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.
He praised Atiku’s leadership style, saying the former vice president favours dialogue over conflict when associates raise genuine concerns.
Okonkwo said discussions with Atiku and other ADC leaders had addressed worries over the South-East’s political interests, taking into account the Electoral Act 2026 and current political realities. He added that the South-East’s interests had been guaranteed within these constraints.
He thanked 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 2027. He also thanked his family, supporters, and friends for their prayers and encouragement, asking for continued prayers as he takes on the new role.
The appointment comes weeks after Okonkwo publicly criticised the ADC’s choice of running mate for the 2027 election. He had warned that picking a vice-presidential candidate from the South-South would deepen the political marginalisation of the South-East, which he noted has not produced a president or vice president since 1999.
Despite his concerns, the ADC went on to name former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate after Atiku secured the party’s presidential ticket.
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