Former Nollywood actor says dialogue with the ADC presidential candidate addressed concerns over the South-East after he criticised Rotimi Amaechi’s vice-presidential nomination.
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has appointed actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo as the spokesperson for his presidential campaign.
The appointment comes weeks after Okonkwo openly criticised the choice of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate, arguing that selecting another South-South politician denied the South-East a long-awaited opportunity to produce Nigeria’s president.
Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, confirmed the appointment, stating that the decision was made by the former vice president.
Reacting to his new role, Okonkwo expressed gratitude to Atiku for the confidence reposed in him, describing the appointment as evidence of the ADC candidate’s democratic leadership style.
According to him, rather than taking offence over his public reservations, Atiku chose dialogue and compromise to resolve differences.
Okonkwo disclosed that discussions with Atiku and other ADC leaders addressed the concerns of the South-East, noting that the region’s interests were guaranteed within the constraints of the Electoral Act 2026 and the prevailing political realities.
He also thanked Kashim Imam for his intervention, saying it reinforced the belief that every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity, religion or region, has a place in the party’s political movement.
The former Labour Party chieftain further appreciated Ralphs Nwosu for his contributions to strengthening the ADC and commended Ekene Onwuka for assembling what he described as a formidable campaign team ahead of the 2027 general election.