Just weeks after publicly criticising his own party’s biggest internal decision, Kenneth Okonkwo has been handed one of its most prominent roles.
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has appointed Okonkwo — a veteran Nollywood actor and ADC chieftain — as his official spokesperson ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Okonkwo confirmed the appointment in a statement posted on his X handle on Thursday, July 3, 2026.
“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.
The appointment is notable for its timing and its backstory. Okonkwo had publicly objected just weeks earlier to the ADC’s reported consideration of a South-South vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 ticket.
He argued that such a choice would deepen the political marginalisation of the South-East, a region that has produced neither a president nor a vice president since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999.
Despite those glaring issues, the ADC went ahead and named former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi — a South-South politician — as Atiku's running mate.
Rather than widen the rift, Atiku chose a different response: dialogue, and ultimately, this appointment.
Okonkwo Says South-East Interests Were Addressed in Talks
Okonkwo was open about how his reservations were resolved. He said discussions with Atiku and senior ADC figures addressed the South-East’s political interests directly and led to assurances within the constraints of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the current 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.
He also used the statement to explain what the process revealed about Atiku’s leadership approach.
“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 said.
He acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu, and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dr. Ekene Onwuka, in helping to bring about the resolution.
Okonkwo Asks Supporters for Prayers as He Takes on New Role
Beyond the political context, Okonkwo struck a personal tone as he accepted the responsibility. He thanked his family, supporters, and friends for their encouragement, and described the spokesperson role as both an honour and a serious undertaking.
“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 said.
Okonkwo is best known to millions of Nigerians as a leading actor in the golden era of Nollywood, with a film career spanning decades.
He has increasingly shifted his public persona toward politics in recent years, becoming a vocal ADC supporter and an outspoken advocate for South-East inclusion in national governance.
His appointment as Atiku’s spokesperson shows the ADC is drawing on its most recognisable faces to amplify its 2027 message — and that the party’s internal tensions over the VP slot have, at least for now, been managed rather than left to fester.
