Atiku Appoints Kenneth Okonkwo As Spokesperson For 2027 Presidential Campaign

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has appointed Nollywood actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo as spokesperson for his 2027 presidential campaign.

Okonkwo announced the appointment on Thursday by sharing a copy of his appointment letter on X, confirming that he would serve as the official spokesperson for Atiku’s campaign ahead of the 2027 general election.

In the letter, Atiku said the appointment followed his emergence as the ADC’s presidential candidate and reflected his confidence in Okonkwo’s ability to communicate the campaign’s message.

“I am pleased to offer you an appointment as my Spokesperson for the 2027 General Elections in Nigeria, following my victory as the Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” the letter read.

Atiku said the appointment was based on Okonkwo’s competence, communication skills, integrity, political judgment and capacity to represent his public positions professionally.

He expressed confidence that Okonkwo would make valuable contributions to the campaign and strengthen democratic engagement in Nigeria.

Responding to the appointment, Okonkwo thanked Atiku for the opportunity, describing it as a demonstration of the former vice president’s commitment to dialogue and inclusive leadership.

“I give God all the glory to be appointed by His Excellency Atiku Abubakar as his Spokesperson. I thank His Excellency Atiku Abubakar for the immense confidence reposed in me,” he wrote.

He added that Atiku had consistently chosen dialogue and compromise over confrontation whenever disagreements arose within his political circle.

Okonkwo also disclosed that discussions with Atiku and other ADC stakeholders had addressed concerns relating to the interests of the South-East within the framework of the Electoral Act 2026 and prevailing political realities.

He expressed appreciation to former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu and Ekene Onwuka for their contributions to the coalition and his appointment.

The former Labour Party chieftain also thanked his family, friends and supporters, while seeking prayers for wisdom, courage and strength to discharge his new responsibilities.

The 2027 election will mark Atiku’s seventh attempt at Nigeria’s presidency and his fourth appearance on the ballot as the presidential candidate of a political party, having previously contested in 2007, 2019 and 2023.

Okonkwo previously served as spokesperson for Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election. The two later parted ways, with Obi subsequently filing a defamation suit against the actor-politician over alleged defamatory remarks.