Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has appointed Kenneth Okonkwo, Nollywood actor and politician, as his spokesperson for the 2027 presidential election campaign.
A snapshot of the appointment letter, shared by Okonkwo on his X page on Thursday, said the appointment followed Atiku’s emergence as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the general election.
“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),” the letter reads.
The letter said the appointment reflected Atiku’s confidence in Okonkwo’s “competence, public communication skills, integrity, political judgment, and ability to represent” the public positions of the ex-vice-president in a professional and responsible manner.
“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,” the letter added.
Reacting, Okonkwo thanked Atiku for the appointment, describing it as a reflection of his democratic credentials.
“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.
“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 said discussions with Atiku and other members of the ADC had addressed and guaranteed the interests of the south-east “within the existing challenges posed by the Electoral Act, 2026, and the realities on the ground”.
He also thanked Ralph Nwosu, former national chairman of the ADC; and Ekene Onwuka, senior special assistant to Atiku on special duties; for their roles in the coalition and his appointment.
Okonkwo expressed gratitude to his family, friends and supporters, asking for prayers for “wisdom, courage, provision, and protection needed to carry out the challenging post which will usher in a glorious and great Nigeria”
