Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has appointed actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo as the spokesperson for his presidential campaign.
The appointment came weeks after Okonkwo openly criticised the emergence of former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as Atiku’s running mate, arguing that the decision further sidelined the South-East from producing Nigeria’s president.
Okonkwo had maintained that the South-East remained the only major geopolitical zone yet to produce a president since the return to democratic rule in 1999, warning that the choice of another South-South politician as vice-presidential candidate could deepen feelings of marginalisation in the region.
Confirming the appointment on Thursday, Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, said the decision was personally approved by the Waziri Adamawa.
Announcing his new role on his social media platforms, Okonkwo described the appointment as a demonstration of Atiku’s democratic credentials and willingness to accommodate dissenting views.
