Atiku Appoints Kenneth Okonkwo as Spokesperson Ahead of 2027 Showdown
By: Abudu Olalekan
Politics just got interesting. Atiku Abubakar has tapped Kenneth Okonkwo to be his spokesperson for the 2027 presidential race. Yes, that Kenneth Okonkwo.
The former VP made the call. Okonkwo said yes. And Wednesday afternoon, the actor-turned-politician took to X to let everyone know.
Big appointment. Huge responsibility.
Okonkwo didn’t hold back in his statement. He gave thanks first—to God, then to Atiku himself. The trust means something to him.
“I give God all the glory,” he wrote. “To be appointed by His Excellency Atiku Abubakar as his Spokesperson? It’s an honor. I thank HE AA for the immense confidence reposed in me.”
But here’s where it gets interesting. This isn’t just about a job title. Okonkwo had been vocal lately. Really vocal. He’d been warning the ADC about ignoring the South-East in their vice-presidential calculations. Said picking someone from the South-South would just repeat the same old marginalisation story since 1999.
And then this happens. The appointment comes right after those warnings. Coincidence? Maybe not.
According to Okonkwo, he sat down with Atiku and other ADC heavyweights recently. They talked strategy. They talked South-East interests. And apparently, they worked out some guarantees despite the headaches caused by the Electoral Act 2026.
“My sincere gratitude to my family, fans, and friends,” Okonkwo added. “Your support and prayers covered my errors and colored my efforts to pave way for this appointment.”
He also shouted out Dr Kashim Imam, former ADC Chairman Ralphs Nwosu, and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant Dr Ekene Onwuka. They’d been putting in work to strengthen the party ahead of 2027.
Now here’s the twist. While Okonkwo’s joining Team Atiku as the voice of the campaign, the VP slot on the ticket already went to Rotimi Amaechi. Former Rivers Governor. Former Transport Minister. South-South guy.
Which makes Okonkwo’s appointment even more intriguing. He’s in the room. He’s got Atiku’s ear. But the South-East still didn’t get the VP slot they’d been pushing for.
The game is on. And Kenneth Okonkwo’s right in the middle of it.
Olalekan A. Abudu is a seasoned and dedicated News Journalist at REPORTERS ROOM, with over eight years of experience. He specializes in politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial issues. Committed to accuracy and balanced reporting, Olalekan exemplifies the principles of public-interest journalism.
