Atiku Appoints Kenneth Okonkwo Spokesperson

A few weeks after publicly faulting the selection of the ADC’s Vice-Presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi and warning that it furthers marginalization of the South-East in national politics, outspoken Actor turned politician Kenneth Okonkwo has accepted his appointment as Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar’s spokesperson.

Okonkwo in a sudden change via statement on Thursday on his official X page, where he announced the appointment, expressed gratitude to Atiku for the confidence reposed in him.

“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.

While describing the appointment as evidence of Atiku’s leadership style, Okonkwo pointed out: “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.”

According to him, during discussions with Atiku and other leaders of the ADC, concerns over the interests of the South-East were addressed despite what he described as challenges 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 stated.

Recall, Okonkwo had argued while criticizing Amaechi’s nomination that the choice of a candidate from the South-South for the position would further deny the South-East representation in either the presidency or vice presidency, a situation he said had persisted since 1999.

Okonkwo’s acceptance of the new appointment has already started generating reactions from various groups, individuals and interests.

While some describe it leaking his vomit, others see it as a master stroke from Atiku to quench avoidable distractions