Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has appointed actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo as his official spokesperson, weeks after the former Labour Party campaign spokesman openly criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s choice of a vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The appointment, announced on Thursday, signals a move by Atiku to strengthen his media and public communication team as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum. It also suggests that differences within the opposition coalition are being resolved through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Okonkwo confirmed his appointment in a statement posted on his official X account, where he expressed gratitude to Atiku for the confidence reposed in him.
“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 wrote.
The appointment comes at a time when the ADC, now serving as the platform for a coalition of opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 elections, is working to present a united front against the ruling party. Atiku, who has emerged as the party’s presidential candidate, has been consulting widely with party leaders and political stakeholders across the country to strengthen the coalition.
Okonkwo’s appointment is particularly notable because it follows his recent public disagreement with the party over its choice of a running mate for Atiku.
Only weeks earlier, the politician had criticised reports that the ADC was considering a vice-presidential candidate from the South-South geopolitical zone. He argued that such a decision would further deepen the feeling of political exclusion among people from the South-East, who have repeatedly demanded greater representation in Nigeria’s highest political offices.
His comments generated widespread debate within the party and among political observers, with many questioning whether they could affect his relationship with the party leadership.
However, Thursday’s announcement appears to have put such concerns to rest.
In his statement, Okonkwo praised Atiku’s leadership style, saying the former vice president does not see criticism from his associates as an act of disloyalty.
According to him, Atiku believes in consultation, dialogue and compromise whenever disagreements arise within the party.
He said the former vice president always seeks peaceful solutions instead of taking offence when party members express genuine concerns.
“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 said.
The new spokesperson also revealed that discussions had already taken place between Atiku and other senior members of the ADC over the concerns raised by South-East leaders.
According to him, the interests of the South-East were carefully considered during the meetings, even though certain legal and political realities had limited the options available to the party.
He explained that the discussions took into account the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as other practical political considerations ahead of the election.
“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 stated.
Although Okonkwo did not provide details of the assurances given to the region, his remarks suggest that efforts are being made within the party to address concerns over equity, inclusion and power sharing.
Regional balance has remained a major issue in Nigerian politics, especially in presidential elections where parties often seek to ensure that candidates and their running mates reflect the country’s diverse ethnic and regional composition.
The South-East has consistently argued that it deserves greater representation in national leadership, pointing to the fact that no person from the region has been elected Nigeria’s president since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
Okonkwo also used the opportunity to appreciate several key figures who, according to him, contributed to strengthening the party and promoting unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
He thanked Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Ekene Onwuka, for their efforts in building consensus within the party.
He equally expressed appreciation to his family, friends and supporters for standing by him throughout his political journey.
“My sincere gratitude to my family, fans and friends for their support and prayers, which God answered in covering my errors and colouring my efforts to pave way for this appointment. I still covet your prayers for wisdom, courage, provision, and protection needed to carry out this challenging post, which will usher in a glorious and great Nigeria,” he added.
Okonkwo is no stranger to political communication. During the 2023 general election, he served as spokesperson for the presidential campaign of the Labour Party, where he became one of the most visible faces of the party’s media operations.
Before entering politics, he built a successful career in the Nigerian film industry, earning national recognition through several Nollywood productions before transitioning into public service and partisan politics.
His experience in public communication and political engagement is expected to play an important role in shaping Atiku’s public image and communicating the opposition coalition’s programmes ahead of the next general election.
The appointment also highlights Atiku’s strategy of bringing together politicians from different political backgrounds as he seeks to strengthen the ADC ahead of what is expected to be another keenly contested presidential election.
With political activities gradually intensifying across the country, the opposition coalition is expected to continue building its campaign structure, resolving internal differences and expanding its support base before the official commencement of campaigns.