Atiku names Kenneth Okonkwo as spokesperson for 2027 campaign
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for 2027, Atiku Abubakar, has appointed party chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo as his spokesperson. Okonkwo announced the appointment on his verified X handle on Thursday morning, sharing a screengrab of the appointment letter signed by Atiku. The letter, titled 'Offer of appointment as my spokesperson,' did not include a date.
Appointment details and conditions
In the letter, the former Vice-President of Nigeria stated that the appointment is for Okonkwo to serve as spokesperson for the 2027 general elections following Atiku's emergence as the ADC presidential candidate. Atiku noted that the appointment is subject to terms and conditions in the letter, as well as applicable campaign, party, legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements. 'This appointment reflects the confidence I repose in your competence, public communication skills, integrity, political judgment, and ability to represent my public positions in a professional and responsible manner,' Atiku wrote.
Ongoing legal battle with Peter Obi
The appointment comes amid a lawsuit filed by Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), against Okonkwo over alleged defamatory remarks. On 25 June, Obi filed an N8 billion lawsuit after Okonkwo refused to withdraw remarks Obi deemed defamatory. The remarks were made during a Channels TV programme on 8 June, where Okonkwo alleged that Obi and the NDC South-east caucus demanded a N10 million bribe from House of Representatives aspirants to secure tickets. Okonkwo specifically claimed that an aspirant from Anambra State, Obunike Ohaegbu, sent him a message and receipt alleging that Obi scammed him of the bribe. However, Ohaegbu denied making such statements, saying on Channels TV's Sunrise Daily on 9 June: 'I am telling you that Peter Obi never told me to pay N10 million. I never told Kenneth Okonkwo that Peter Obi, in any way, told me to pay N10 million.' On 30 June, an Anambra State High Court granted Obi leave to serve Okonkwo with court summons by substituted means.
Okonkwo's earlier criticism of Atiku's running mate choice
Weeks before his appointment, Okonkwo criticized Atiku and the ADC for choosing former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as the party's vice-presidential candidate. Okonkwo argued that a South-easterner should have taken the slot, calling the choice 'crude marginalisation of the South-east.' He vowed to withdraw support for Atiku if Amaechi remained as running mate, stating: 'I am not favourably disposed to campaigning for any presidential ticket that does not have a person of South-east origin as president or vice president in 2027.'
South-east interests now guaranteed
In his X post announcing the appointment, Okonkwo made a veiled reference to his earlier criticism, praising Atiku for not picking offence and opting for dialogue. He claimed that after meeting with Atiku and other ADC leaders, the interests of the South-east have been discussed and guaranteed within the challenges posed by the Electoral Act, 2026, and realities on the ground, though he provided no further details.
