Evangelist Comrade Tony Akeni has formally accepted his appointment as Spokesperson of the Big Tent Independent Campaign Council and as a member of the Elevate Nigeria Rapid Response Team, as political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections gathers pace.
His acceptance comes at a time when political groups and campaign organisations are strengthening their communication and rapid-response structures, and it places him at the centre of the Big Tent’s public messaging as the election cycle approaches.
Akeni conveyed his acceptance in a letter dated November 4, 2026, addressed to Prof. Pat Utomi, Convener of the Big Tent Council and the Rapid Response Team.
He thanked the leadership for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to discharge his duties in line with the established guidelines and directives of the organisations, while upholding the values, principles and objectives of the Council and the Elevate Nigeria initiative.
Aware that the job demands discipline, Akeni stressed the importance of institutional guidance and effective communication.
He therefore requested an official operational manual setting out the Council’s approved positions on public affairs, policy issues, political campaigns and communication protocols.
Such a document, he said, would ensure consistency in public messaging and in the presentation of the Council’s positions on issues of national importance.
He added that he is ready to work with the available support structures, resources and tools to deliver on the expectations attached to the appointments.
The appointment itself was conveyed in a letter from Prof. Utomi, who described the Big Tent as a purpose-driven, transformative platform.
It aims, he said, not only to help determine election outcomes in Nigeria but also to shape policy direction towards rapid economic growth and social harmony.
In his view, Akeni’s engagement and public service had shown the communication judgment, credibility, responsiveness and commitment needed to represent the Big Tent in public discourse.
In his new role, Akeni will articulate the Council’s approved positions on political, policy, campaign and public-interest matters, and support timely responses to emerging public issues.
He will work closely with the Convener, the Director General, the Media Team and the Rapid Response Team to keep messaging consistent and factually accurate. That means monitoring media coverage and public discourse, flagging issues that need clarification, rebuttal or escalation, and contributing to talking points, statements, briefings and other rapid-response materials.
He is also expected to engage journalists, stakeholders, civic groups and the public professionally, avoiding unauthorised commitments or statements that conflict with approved Council positions.
Among his key deliverables are the prompt escalation of misinformation, reputational risks and emerging controversies, and regular reports to the Media Team and Rapid Response Team on engagements held and issues handled.
The letter also sets a clear operating standard. Spokespersons are to communicate only approved positions, verify facts before commenting publicly, coordinate on sensitive or fast-moving matters, and respect competing perspectives and healthy disagreement.
The appointment runs through the 2027 electoral cycle, unless reviewed, reconstituted or otherwise directed by the Big Tent leadership.
The Big Tent, associated with Prof. Utomi, has been involved in advocacy around alternative political leadership, governance and efforts to build a different political direction for Nigeria.
With the dual appointment, Akeni now stands at the centre of the Council’s public communication and rapid-response operations.