Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has appointed Nollywood actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo as his spokesperson, weeks after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain publicly criticised the party’s choice of vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Mr Okonkwo announced the appointment on Thursday via his official X page, expressing gratitude for what he described as the “immense confidence” reposed in him by the former vice-president. He characterised the decision as emblematic of Mr Abubakar’s leadership approach, noting that the ADC presidential candidate favours dialogue and compromise over taking offence at associates’ genuine reservations.
The appointment follows discussions between Mr Abubakar and ADC leaders, during which concerns over South-East representation were addressed. Mr Okonkwo stated that the interests of the region had been guaranteed within the constraints of the Electoral Act, 2026, and prevailing political realities.
“I give God all the glory to be appointed by His Excellency Atiku Abubakar as his Spokesperson,” Mr Okonkwo wrote. “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.”
Mr Okonkwo also thanked Dr Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu, and Dr Ekene Onwuka, Senior Special Assistant to Mr Abubakar, for their roles in strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 election.
The appointment comes after Mr Okonkwo had faulted the ADC’s vice-presidential choice, warning that selecting a candidate from the South-South would perpetuate what he termed the marginalisation of the South-East in national politics—a situation he said had persisted since 1999.
The ADC has since settled on former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as Mr Abubakar’s running mate, following the former vice-president’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate during its nationwide primary.