Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president of Nigeria, has appointed Kenneth Okonkwo, Nollywood actor and politician, as his spokesperson for the 2027 presidential election campaign following his emergence as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
A copy of the appointment letter shared by Okonkwo on his X page on Thursday showed that the appointment followed Atiku’s emergence as the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The letter read, “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).”
According to the letter, the appointment reflected Atiku’s confidence in Okonkwo’s “competence, public communication skills, integrity, political judgment, and ability to represent” his public positions professionally and responsibly.
The letter added, “While congratulating you on this appointment, I look forward to your valuable contribution to the campaign and to the advancement of democratic engagement in Nigeria.”
Reacting to the appointment, Okonkwo thanked Atiku and described the decision as evidence of the former vice-president’s democratic disposition.
“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,” Okonkwo said.
He added, “This appointment speaks volume of the democratic credentials of HE AA. 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 said engagements with Atiku and other leaders of the ADC had secured the interests of the south-east “within the existing challenges posed by the Electoral Act, 2026, and the realities on the ground”.
He expressed appreciation to Ralph Nwosu, former national chairman of the ADC, and Ekene Onwuka, senior special assistant to Atiku on special duties, for their contributions to the coalition and his appointment.
Okonkwo further thanked his family, friends and supporters while requesting prayers for “wisdom, courage, provision, and protection needed to carry out the challenging post which will usher in a glorious and great Nigeria”.
The 2027 presidential election will be the seventh time Atiku will seek Nigeria’s highest office and the fourth time he will appear on the ballot as the presidential candidate of a political party.
Atiku previously contested for the presidency six times but featured on the ballot as a presidential candidate in 2007, 2019 and 2023.
Okonkwo served as spokesperson for Peter Obi, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election.
The actor-turned-politician, however, recently parted ways with Obi, who has since filed a lawsuit against him over alleged defamatory remarks.
