By Ify Okoli
Former Vice President Atiku
Abubakar has appointed actor-turned-politician and prominent African
Democratic Congress (ADC) figure Kenneth
Okonkwo as his spokesperson, weeks after the politician openly
criticised the party's reported choice of a vice-presidential candidate for the
2027 general election.
Okonkwo announced the
appointment on Thursday through a statement shared on his official X account,
describing it as a great honour and thanking Atiku for the confidence placed in
him. He said he was grateful to God and pledged to approach the new
responsibility with dedication and humility.
"I give God all the
glory to be appointed by His Excellency Atiku Abubakar as his spokesperson. I
thank him for the immense confidence reposed in me," Okonkwo wrote.
The
appointment has attracted attention because it comes shortly after Okonkwo
publicly questioned the party's handling of its vice-presidential selection
process. Rather than allowing the disagreement to create division, he said
Atiku chose dialogue and understanding, describing the former vice president as
a leader who welcomes differing opinions instead of punishing those who express
them.
According
to Okonkwo, Atiku believes that open conversations and compromise are better
ways of resolving political disagreements than confrontation. He said this
approach had strengthened confidence within the party at a crucial time as
preparations continue for the 2027 elections.
He also
disclosed that recent discussions involving Atiku and other senior ADC leaders
focused on the political interests of Nigeria's South-East. Okonkwo said those
talks provided assurances that the region's concerns had been recognised
despite the practical limitations created by the Electoral Act, 2026, and other
political realities.
He expressed
optimism that the dialogue would help build greater trust among party members
and promote a more inclusive political process ahead of the next general
election.
Okonkwo
further used the opportunity to appreciate several party leaders and political associates
whom he said contributed to strengthening the ADC. He specifically thanked Kashim
Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu, and Atiku's Senior Special
Assistant on Special Duties, Ekene Onwuka, for their
support and commitment.
He also
extended appreciation to his family, friends and supporters, acknowledging
their prayers and encouragement throughout his political journey. He appealed
for continued prayers for wisdom, courage, protection and strength as he takes
on what he described as a demanding national assignment.
The
appointment follows Okonkwo's recent criticism of reports suggesting that the
ADC was considering a vice-presidential candidate from Nigeria's South-South
region. He argued that such a move could further deepen the political exclusion
of the South-East.
According
to him, since Nigeria's return to democratic rule in 1999, the South-East has
not produced either the country's president or vice president. He warned that
overlooking the region again would reinforce long-standing feelings of
marginalisation and weaken efforts to promote national inclusion.
By appointing Okonkwo despite their recent differences,
Atiku has signalled a willingness to accommodate diverse views within his
political circle, a move that may shape conversations within the ADC as the
party continues to position itself for the 2027 general election.
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