Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has appointed Kenneth Okonkwo as his spokesperson. Atiku appoints Kenneth Okonkwo weeks after the ADC chieftain criticised the party’s choice of vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Okonkwo announced the appointment on Thursday through a statement posted on his official X account. He thanked Atiku for trusting him with the role and pledged to serve faithfully.
He said the appointment reflected Atiku’s leadership style, noting that the former vice president prefers dialogue and compromise instead of taking offence when party members express genuine concerns.
Atiku appoints Kenneth Okonkwo after discussions with ADC leaders over South-East interests. Okonkwo said the talks addressed regional concerns despite the limits created by the Electoral Act 2026 and current political realities.
He also appreciated Dr. Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu, and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dr. Ekene Onwuka, for helping to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 election.
Okonkwo thanked his family, friends, and supporters for their prayers. He asked for continued support as he takes on the new responsibility.
The appointment followed Okonkwo’s criticism of the ADC’s vice-presidential selection process. He warned that choosing a South-South candidate could deepen the South-East’s political marginalisation.
The ADC later named former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, , as Atiku’s running mate after the former vice president secured the party’s presidential ticket.
