Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has appointed Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress, as his new spokesperson.

This move comes shortly after Okonkwo, an actor-turned-politician, publicly criticised the party’s vice-presidential pick for the 2027 election. Okonkwo shared the news via a statement posted on his official X account Thursday, thanking Atiku for placing his trust 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.

Hailing Atiku's leadership style, he said, “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 mentioned that during talks with Atiku and other ADC leaders, issues affecting the South-East were discussed, even though he noted that the Electoral Act, 2026, posed some challenges.

“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.

He also expressed gratitude to Dr. Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu, and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dr. Ekene Onwuka, for their contributions in bolstering the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

“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.

The appointment follows weeks of tension, during which Okonkwo openly criticized the party’s choice for the ADC’s vice-presidential candidate in the upcoming 2027 elections. He warned that this decision could deepen what he sees as the ongoing marginalization of the South-East in national politics.

Okonkwo emphasized that selecting a candidate from the South-South region would only serve to further exclude the South-East from holding either the presidency or vice-presidency—a marginalization he claims has been ongoing since 1999.

In the end, the ADC settled on Rotimi Amaechi, the former governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transportation, as Atiku’s running mate for 2027, following Atiku’s triumph as the party’s presidential candidate in its nationwide primary.