Atiku appoints Kenneth Okonkwo as spokesperson after ADC criticism

Atiku appoints Kenneth Okonkwo as spokesperson, marking a significant move by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as preparations for the 2027 general election gather pace. The appointment comes only weeks after Okonkwo publicly criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its reported vice-presidential plans.

Okonkwo announced the appointment on his official X account, thanking Atiku for the confidence placed in him. He described the role as evidence of Atiku’s willingness to embrace differing opinions through dialogue rather than division.

The former Labour Party presidential campaign spokesperson said discussions with Atiku and other ADC leaders addressed concerns over the political interests of Nigeria’s South-East within the limits of the Electoral Act, 2026. He also thanked party leaders and supporters for their encouragement.

The appointment follows Okonkwo’s warning that choosing a vice-presidential candidate outside the South-East could deepen the region’s political marginalisation. Nevertheless, Atiku appoints Kenneth Okonkwo as spokesperson despite those reservations, signalling an effort to strengthen party unity ahead of the 2027 presidential race.