Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has appointed actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo as his spokesperson, in a move aimed at strengthening his campaign’s communication strategy ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Okonkwo announced the appointment on Thursday via his official X account, expressing gratitude to Atiku for the confidence reposed in him despite their recent disagreement over the choice of the party’s vice-presidential candidate.
“I give God all the glory to be appointed by His Excellency Atiku Abubakar as his spokesperson. I thank him for the immense confidence reposed in me,” he wrote.
He described Atiku as a leader who embraces dialogue and compromise rather than punishing associates for expressing differing opinions, saying their recent discussions had helped resolve concerns over the political interests of the South-East within the framework of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Okonkwo also acknowledged the contributions of 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 the 2027 elections.
The appointment comes weeks after Okonkwo criticised the party’s decision to nominate Rotimi Amaechi from the South-South as Atiku’s running mate, arguing that the move would further sideline the South-East from Nigeria’s two highest political offices.
Despite the earlier disagreement, political observers say the appointment signals efforts by Atiku’s camp to unite key figures within the party and consolidate support as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum.
