By Eshioromeh Sebastian
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has named Nollywood actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo as his official spokesperson, just weeks after Okonkwo publicly condemned the African Democratic Congress over its vice-presidential choice for the 2027 elections.
Okonkwo, a chieftain of the ADC, announced his new role on Thursday via his official X handle, expressing gratitude to Atiku for what he described as a demonstration of mature leadership.
“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,” Okonkwo stated.
The appointment comes barely a month after Okonkwo warned that the ADC’s reported decision to pick a running mate from the South-South would further entrench the marginalisation of the South-East—a region he argued has been denied presidential or vice-presidential representation since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
The ADC has since settled on former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate following the party’s nationwide primary.
In his announcement, Okonkwo disclosed that his concerns over South-East interests had been addressed during discussions with Atiku and other ADC leaders, despite what he called “challenges posed by the Electoral Act, 2026, and the realities on the ground.”
He also acknowledged the roles of former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu, Dr Kashim Imam, and Dr Ekene Onwuka in strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 polls.
Okonkwo, who rose to prominence as a lawyer and actor before venturing into politics, appealed for prayers from his supporters as he takes on what he described as a “challenging post” that would “usher in a glorious and great Nigeria.”
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