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

Okonkwo announced the appointment in a statement posted on his official X handle on Thursday, expressing appreciation to Atiku for the confidence reposed in him.

“I give God all the glory for being appointed by His Excellency Atiku Abubakar as his spokesperson. I thank His Excellency for the immense confidence reposed in me,” he said.

He described the appointment as a reflection of Atiku’s leadership style, noting that the former vice president values dialogue and inclusiveness over resentment.

“Rather than take offence at associates for expressing genuine reservations about any action taken, His Excellency always opts for dialogue and compromise that engender solutions to problems,” Okonkwo stated.

According to him, discussions with Atiku and other ADC leaders addressed concerns over the political interests of the South-East within the framework of the Electoral Act, 2026, and prevailing political realities.

“At a dialogue with His Excellency and other well-meaning members of the African Democratic Congress, the interests of the South-East were discussed and guaranteed within the existing challenges posed by the Electoral Act, 2026, and the realities on the ground,” he said.

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

He further thanked his family, supporters and friends for their encouragement and prayers.

“I still covet your prayers for wisdom, courage, provision and protection needed to carry out this challenging responsibility, which will usher in a glorious and great Nigeria,” he added.

The appointment comes weeks after Okonkwo publicly criticised the ADC’s choice of vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

He had argued that reports indicating the party was considering a vice-presidential candidate from the South-South would further deepen the political marginalisation of the South-East, which, according to him, has not produced either the president or vice president since 1999.

Despite the concerns, the ADC subsequently named former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate after the former vice president secured the party’s presidential ticket.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has appointed actor-turned-politician and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kenneth Okonkwo, as his spokesperson.

This came weeks after the politician openly criticised the party’s choice of vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Okonkwo disclosed the appointment in a statement posted on his official X handle on Thursday, where he expressed appreciation to Atiku for entrusting him with the role.

“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 wrote.

The former Labour Party, LP, presidential campaign spokesperson described the appointment as a reflection of Atiku’s inclusive leadership style, noting that the former vice president prefers dialogue and consensus-building rather than hostility toward associates who express differing opinions.

“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 stated.

He revealed that discussions held with Atiku and other leaders of the ADC addressed concerns surrounding the political interests of the South-East despite what he described as limitations created by the Electoral Act, 2026.

“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 added.

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

“My sincere gratitude to my family, fans, and friends for their support and prayers, which God answered in covering my errors and colouring my efforts to pave way for this appointment. I still covet your prayers for wisdom, courage, provision, and protection needed to carry out this challenging post, which will usher in a glorious and great Nigeria,” he said.

The appointment comes shortly after Okonkwo publicly faulted the ADC’s selection of its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

He had warned that reports suggesting the party was considering a candidate from the South-South region for the vice-presidential slot could deepen what he described as the continued marginalisation of the South-East in Nigeria’s political structure.

According to him, such a decision would further deny the South-East the opportunity of producing either the president or vice president, a situation he noted had persisted since 1999.

Imo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Austin Onyedebelu, has said that the party leadership in the State will fight like a wounded lion to ensure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reelected come 2027 presidential election.

Onyedebelu made the assertion during a stakeholders’ meeting between the State Working Committee of the party and officials of the APC drawn from the 9 LGAs and 105 wards of Owerri Zone.

The meeting was attended by the LGA party Executives, Ward Executives, elected LGA Chairmen, Councillors, and other party officials.

Addressing the gathering, the State Chairman stressed that unity remained the greatest weapon for electoral success.

He maintained that party members and the leadership must work together in ensuring overwhelming victories for Mr president and other candidates of the party in the State.

The APC Chairman warned party officials that they would be held accountable for the party’s performance in their respective areas.

“If you lose our votes we are going to hold you responsible. Don’t tell us why you failed after the election.

“Tell us now what will make you fail so we can address it. If there is anything or any leader that will sabotage our efforts, you must tell us now for us to address it,” he said.

Onyedebelu urged party faithful to rely solely on genuine grassroots mobilization rather than shortcuts, insisting that only real votes would guarantee victory.

He added that there is no other way to win elections than to count on real votes, and that the only way to achieve it is to remain united.

The State party boss cautioned against anti-party activities, reminding members that those who work against their own party would ultimately have nothing to gain.

“If you support the opposition to win against your party, when they begin to share the proceeds of victory, they will first reward their own party members before remembering you,” he added.

The State Chairman also described the 2027 general elections as a defining moment for Owerri Zone in its aspiration to produce the next Governor of Imo State.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the State Secretary of the party, Onyekachi Ibezim, explained that the purpose of the meeting was to enable the State Working Committee to interact directly with party executives at the LGA and Ward levels ahead of the 2027 electoral contest.

He noted that the officers constitute the engine room of the party at the grassroots and would be held responsible for the success of the party in the forthcoming general elections.

Responding on behalf of Owerri Zone, the State Vice Chairman for Owerri Zone, Justus Ogu, assured the State Working Committee that the zone would not disappoint the party.

He assured that the Zone will deliver APC from President down to the State House of Assembly members.