Kenneth Okonkwo has officially accepted an appointment as spokesperson to the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 general election.
The appointment was confirmed by the Nollywood veteran-turned-politician in a statement shared on his 𝕏 account in the early hours of Thursday.
Okonkwo’s acceptance comes weeks after he publicly distanced himself from Atiku’s campaign following the selection of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as the ADC vice-presidential candidate. At the time, he had expressed concerns that the South-East had been sidelined in the party’s calculations.
However, the lawyer said those concerns had now been addressed after discussions with Atiku and key figures within the party, adding that assurances had been given regarding the place of the South-East in the coalition despite the constraints of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Announcing his appointment, Okonkwo described the opportunity as an honour and praised Atiku’s willingness to engage dissenting voices through dialogue rather than confrontation.
“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.
He added, “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.”
Explaining why he decided to accept the role, Okonkwo said consultations with the former vice president and other stakeholders in the ADC helped resolve the issues he had earlier raised.
“At a dialogue with HE AA and other well-meaning members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), 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.”
Okonkwo also acknowledged the contributions of several party leaders and allies whom he credited with facilitating the reconciliation process and strengthening the ADC ahead of the 2027 election.
He expressed appreciation to Dr. Kashim Imam for his intervention, saying his counsel reflected “a special place for all Nigerians, irrespective of place of origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, or cultural affiliations, in the emerging political scenario.”
The former Labour Party chieftain also thanked former ADC National Chairman, Ralphs Nwosu, for his sacrifices in consolidating the party, as well as Dr. Ekene Onwuka, Senior Special Assistant to Atiku on Special Duties, for helping to assemble a strong campaign team.
Concluding his statement, Okonkwo expressed gratitude to his family, supporters and friends for standing by him and appealed for continued prayers as he assumes his new responsibility.
“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.”
The appointment marks a significant turnaround in the relationship between Okonkwo and Atiku’s campaign, with the actor-politician now taking on a frontline communication role for the ADC presidential candidate as preparations intensify for the 2027 election.
