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

Okonkwo announced the appointment in a statement posted on his official X page on Thursday, expressing gratitude to Atiku for the confidence placed 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.

The former Labour Party chieftain described the appointment as a reflection of Atiku’s leadership style, noting that the former vice president prefers dialogue and consensus-building over confrontation.

“Rather than pick offence against any of his associates for expressing genuine reservations about any action taken, HE AA always opts for dialogue and compromise that will engender solutions to problems,” Okonkwo stated.

He revealed that discussions with Atiku and other ADC leaders had focused on safeguarding the interests of the South-East within the constraints of the Electoral Act 2026 and prevailing political realities.

“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 said.

Okonkwo also expressed appreciation to Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Ekene Onwuka, for their contributions to strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

He further thanked his family, friends, and supporters for their prayers and encouragement, while seeking continued support as he assumes the new role.

The appointment comes weeks after Okonkwo publicly criticised the ADC’s choice of vice-presidential candidate, warning that selecting a candidate from the South-South could deepen what he described as the marginalisation of the South-East in national politics.

According to him, such a move would continue the exclusion of the South-East from both the presidency and vice presidency, a situation he said had persisted since 1999.

The ADC has since settled on former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election after Atiku emerged as the party’s flag bearer at its nationwide primary.