2027: Atiku Appoints Kenneth Okonkwo as Spokesperson After Talks [PHOTOS]

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has appointed African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo as his spokesperson, weeks after he criticised the party’s choice of vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Okonkwo announced the appointment in a statement shared on his official X account on Thursday, thanking 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.

He described the appointment as a reflection of Atiku’s leadership style, saying the former vice president embraces dialogue rather than taking offence when associates express differing opinions.

“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 said.

Okonkwo disclosed that discussions with Atiku and other ADC leaders addressed concerns about the interests of the South-East despite what he described as challenges posed by the Electoral Act, 2026.

“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 stated.

He 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.

The appointment comes weeks after Okonkwo publicly criticised the reported selection of the ADC’s vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election, warning that choosing a candidate from the South-South would further marginalise the South-East in national politics.

He argued that such a decision would continue to deny the South-East representation in either the presidency or vice presidency.