FORMER Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has appointed Nollywood actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo as his official spokesperson for the 2027 presidential election campaign following his emergence as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
News Point Nigeria reports that the appointment was conveyed in a letter shared by Okonkwo on his X page on Thursday. In the letter, Atiku said the appointment followed his emergence as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
“I am pleased to offer you an appointment as my Spokesperson for the 2027 General Elections in Nigeria, following my victory as the Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” the appointment letter reads.
The former vice-president said the appointment reflected his confidence in Okonkwo’s competence, public communication skills, integrity, political judgment and ability to represent his public positions professionally and responsibly.
“While congratulating you on this appointment, I look forward to your valuable contribution to the campaign and to the advancement of democratic engagement in Nigeria,” the letter added.
Reacting to the appointment, Okonkwo expressed gratitude to Atiku, describing the decision as a demonstration of the former vice-president’s democratic credentials.
“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 said.
Okonkwo added that Atiku had consistently chosen dialogue and compromise over confrontation whenever disagreements arose within his political circle.
“This appointment speaks volume of the democratic credentials of HE AA. 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.
The former Labour Party presidential campaign spokesman also disclosed that discussions with Atiku and other members of the ADC had addressed and guaranteed the interests of the South-East within the constraints of the Electoral Act, 2026, and prevailing political realities.
He further appreciated the former National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Ekene Onwuka, for their contributions to the coalition and his eventual appointment.
Okonkwo also thanked his family, friends and supporters for their encouragement, while requesting prayers for “wisdom, courage, provision, and protection needed to carry out the challenging post which will usher in a glorious and great Nigeria.”
The 2027 presidential election will mark Atiku’s seventh attempt at Nigeria’s highest office and the fourth time he will appear on the ballot as the presidential candidate of a political party.
Although he has contested the presidency six times, Atiku has appeared on the ballot as a party’s presidential candidate on only three occasions—in 2007, 2019 and 2023.
Okonkwo previously served as spokesperson for Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.
However, he recently fell out with the former Anambra State governor, who has since instituted a lawsuit against him over alleged defamatory remarks.