2027 Presidential Race Heats Up: Atiku Names Kenneth Okonkwo As Campaign Spokesman!
Kenneth Okonkwo has been appointed as the campaign spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, despite his earlier public criticism of the party's vice-presidential choice. Okonkwo expressed gratitude, noting Atiku's inclusive leadership and discussions ensuring South-East interests amidst political constraints. The ADC had previously chosen Rotimi Amaechi from the South-South as Atiku's running mate.
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has officially appointed Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent chieftain of the party, as his campaign spokesperson. This appointment comes weeks after Okonkwo publicly criticized the party's selection of a vice-presidential candidate for the forthcoming 2027 general election, adding a surprising turn to the party's political maneuvering.
Okonkwo himself announced the appointment on his official X account, expressing profound gratitude to Atiku Abubakar for the trust placed in him. He stated, "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."
The actor-turned-politician characterized the appointment as a testament to Atiku's inclusive leadership approach, highlighting that the former Vice President embraces constructive criticism rather than taking offense. Okonkwo further elaborated, "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."
A critical point of discussion, according to Okonkwo, involved a dialogue with Atiku Abubakar and other key ADC leaders. These discussions addressed concerns regarding the political interests of the South-East region, which Okonkwo emphasized had been discussed and guaranteed within the existing challenges posed by the Electoral Act, 2026, and the prevailing political realities. He explicitly stated, "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."
Okonkwo also extended his appreciation to several individuals for their contributions to strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 elections. These included Atiku's ally, Dr. Kashim Imam; former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu; and Atiku's Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dr. Ekene Onwuka. He also thanked his family, fans, and friends for their unwavering support and prayers, acknowledging their role in paving the way for his appointment, and requested continued prayers for wisdom, courage, provision, and protection in his new and challenging role.
The backdrop to this appointment was Okonkwo’s earlier and significant criticism of the ADC’s vice-presidential selection process. He had cautioned that choosing a running mate from the South-South geopolitical zone would exacerbate the political marginalization of the South-East. His argument centered on the concern that such a decision would leave the South-East unrepresented in either the presidency or vice presidency, a pattern he noted had persisted since 1999.
Despite these reservations and public criticism, the African Democratic Congress ultimately selected former Rivers State governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as Atiku’s running mate. This decision was made after Atiku Abubakar had secured the party’s presidential ticket through its nationwide direct primary process for the 2027 election.