‘Atiku chose dialogue over offence’ — Okonkwo on spokesperson appointment

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has appointed actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo as his spokesperson ahead of the 2027 general election.

Okonkwo announced the appointment on Thursday in a statement shared on his official X handle, expressing gratitude to Atiku for entrusting him with the role.

“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.

The appointment comes weeks after Okonkwo publicly criticised the party’s choice of vice-presidential candidate, warning that the decision could further sideline the South-East in Nigeria’s political leadership.

Reacting to his appointment, Okonkwo said Atiku demonstrated leadership by embracing dialogue rather than taking offence at differing opinions.

“Rather than pick offence against any of his associates for expressing genuine reservations about any action taken, HE AA always opts for dialogue and compromise that will engender solutions to problems,” he stated.

According to him, discussions with Atiku and other leaders of the ADC had addressed concerns over the political interests of the South-East within the constraints of 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 said.

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 efforts in strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

He further thanked his family, friends and supporters for their encouragement and prayers, pledging to serve with wisdom, courage and dedication.

Before his appointment, Okonkwo had questioned reports that the ADC was considering a vice-presidential candidate from the South-South, arguing that such a move would further deny the South-East representation in either the presidency or vice presidency, a situation he said had persisted since 1999.

The party has since nominated former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as Atiku’s running mate after Atiku emerged as the ADC’s presidential candidate at the party’s nationwide primary.