Former Vice President strengthens communications team as intra-party tensions over 2027 vice-presidential selection spark debate within ADC
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has appointed actor-turned-politician and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo as his spokesperson, in a move that comes amid rising internal tensions within the party over its vice-presidential selection ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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The announcement was made on Thursday, July 2, 2026, by Kenneth Okonkwo via his official X account, where he expressed appreciation for the appointment and described it as a sign of trust from Atiku Abubakar.
“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 wrote.
The Appointment follows weeks of public disagreement within the ADC, after Okonkwo criticised aspects of the party’s internal discussions regarding its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election cycle.
In his statement, Okonkwo described Atiku Abubakar’s leadership style as inclusive, noting that the former vice president prefers dialogue and consensus-building when resolving political disagreements within the party structure.
“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 said.
Okonkwo further disclosed that discussions involving Atiku Abubakar and other ADC leaders addressed concerns about political representation in Nigeria’s South-East, within the framework of what he described as constraints posed 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,” he stated.
The former Labour Party spokesperson also expressed appreciation to several party figures, including Kashim Imam, former ADC national chairman Ralphs Nwosu, and Atiku Abubakar’s senior aide Ekene Onwuka, for their roles in strengthening internal party cohesion.
He described his new role as a demanding responsibility that requires wisdom, courage and resilience ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 electoral contest.
The appointment comes shortly after Okonkwo publicly criticised the ADC’s reported considerations around its vice-presidential ticket, warning that such decisions could deepen longstanding concerns about political marginalisation in the South-East.
According to Okonkwo, continued exclusion from top executive positions would further limit the region’s political representation at the highest level, a challenge he said has persisted since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999.
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Political observers say the appointment may signal a strategic effort by Atiku Abubakar to consolidate messaging within the ADC and manage internal disagreements as parties position themselves for the 2027 general elections.
