By The Metro 
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has appointed African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo as his spokesperson, despite the lawyer and actor’s recent criticism of the party’s vice-presidential choice for the 2027 election.
Announcing the appointment on his official X page on Thursday, Okonkwo thanked Atiku for the opportunity and described the decision as a demonstration of the former vice president’s willingness to accommodate differing opinions.
“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.
According to Okonkwo, his earlier reservations did not affect his relationship with Atiku because the former vice president chose dialogue over confrontation.
“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.”
He added that discussions with Atiku and other leaders of the ADC had addressed concerns about the South-East’s interests within the limitations of 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.
Okonkwo also acknowledged the support of Dr Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dr Ekene Onwuka.
Before his appointment, Okonkwo had openly criticised reports that the ADC planned to pick a vice-presidential candidate from the South-South, arguing that such a decision would continue the South-East’s exclusion from Nigeria’s two highest elective offices since 1999.
The party has since named former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.