Former Labour Party chieftain and actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo has been appointed spokesperson to ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general election.
Okonkwo announced the appointment in a statement on Wednesday, expressing 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 said.
He described the appointment as evidence of Atiku’s democratic leadership style, saying, “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 also revealed that discussions with Atiku and members of African Democratic Congress had addressed the interests of the South-East.
“At a dialogue with HE AA and other well meaning members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), 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.
Recall Okonkwo had previously stated that he was backing out of supporting any candidate for the 2027 elections because no South easterner was on the ballot following Atiku’s choice of a South South politician Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.
He thanked Kashim Imam for his “kind and special intervention and counsel,” saying it reflected “a special place for all Nigerians irrespective of place of origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, or cultural affiliations in the emerging political scenario.”
Okonkwo also expressed appreciation to Ralphs Nwosu for his role in strengthening the ADC, and to Ekene Onwuka for helping to assemble a team aimed at supporting Atiku’s 2027 presidential bid.
He further thanked his family, friends and supporters for their prayers, asking for continued support as he takes on what he described as “this challenging post which will usher in a glorious and great Nigeria.”
