Nollywood actor and former Obi campaign spokesperson jumps ship as ex-VP makes seventh presidential bid
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has appointed Nollywood actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo as his official spokesperson for the 2027 presidential election campaign, marking a significant political realignment ahead of the polls.
The appointment was confirmed through a letter shared by Okonkwo on his X page on Thursday, following Atiku’s emergence as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the general election.
“I am pleased to offer you an appointment as my Spokesperson for the 2027 General Elections in Nigeria, following my victory as the Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” the letter read.
The appointment letter highlighted Atiku’s confidence in Okonkwo’s “competence, public communication skills, integrity, political judgment, and ability to represent” the ex-vice-president’s positions professionally and responsibly.
Accepting the role, Okonkwo expressed gratitude and described the appointment as a testament to Atiku’s democratic credentials.
“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,” Okonkwo said.
“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.”
Okonkwo noted that discussions with Atiku and ADC leadership had addressed and guaranteed the interests of the south-east “within the existing challenges posed by the Electoral Act, 2026, and the realities on the ground.”
Background and Political Shifts
The 2027 election will mark Atiku’s seventh attempt at the presidency and his fourth appearance on the ballot as a presidential candidate. He previously contested in 2007, 2019, and 2023.
Okonkwo previously served as spokesperson for Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election. However, relations between the pair have soured, with Obi recently filing a lawsuit against Okonkwo over alleged defamatory remarks.
The actor-politician also thanked Ralph Nwosu, former national chairman of the ADC, and Ekene Onwuka, senior special assistant to Atiku on special duties, for their roles in the coalition and his appointment.
Okonkwo called on his family, friends, and supporters to pray for “wisdom, courage, provision, and protection needed to carry out the challenging post which will usher in a glorious and great Nigeria.”
