Atiku Appoints Kenneth Okonkwo as Campaign Spokesperson for 2027 Presidential Race

Former Labour Party presidential campaign spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, has been appointed as the official spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.

Okonkwo, a lawyer, actor and politician, announced the appointment in a statement posted on his official X account on Thursday, expressing gratitude to Atiku for entrusting him with the responsibility.

“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 comes just weeks after Okonkwo openly criticised the ADC’s decision to nominate former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate. At the time, he argued that selecting another South-South politician for the vice-presidential slot would further sideline the South-East from Nigeria’s top political offices.

However, the former Labour Party chieftain said extensive consultations with Atiku and other ADC leaders had resolved his concerns.

According to him, discussions within the party provided assurances that the interests of the South-East would be protected despite the constraints of the Electoral Act 2026 and prevailing political realities.

Okonkwo described his appointment as evidence of Atiku’s willingness to embrace dialogue and compromise rather than alienate associates who express differing opinions.

“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 stated.

He also acknowledged the roles played by Dr. Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu, and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dr. Ekene Onwuka, in facilitating discussions and strengthening the party ahead of the elections.

Political Significance

Okonkwo’s appointment marks a significant political shift. He served as one of the most prominent spokespersons for Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election but later parted ways with the former Labour Party candidate following disagreements over political strategy. Their fallout eventually escalated into legal disputes, including a multi-billion naira defamation lawsuit.

His new role places him at the centre of Atiku’s campaign as the ADC intensifies preparations to challenge the ruling party in the 2027 presidential election.

The appointment has generated mixed reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape. While supporters view it as a sign of reconciliation and inclusiveness within the ADC coalition, critics particularly among Peter Obi’s supporters have questioned Okonkwo’s political switch, citing his previous criticisms of Atiku’s ticket. Social media platforms have since been flooded with both congratulatory messages and criticism following the announcement.

Anambra Court Grants Peter Obi Leave to Serve Kenneth Okonkwo Through Substituted Means in Defamation Suit

An Anambra State High Court sitting in Onitsha has granted former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, leave to serve court documents on actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo through substituted means in his defamation lawsuit against him.

The order was made after Obi’s legal team informed the court that repeated efforts to personally serve the defendant with the originating court processes had proved unsuccessful.

Justice D.A. Onyefulu directed that the writ of summons and accompanying court documents be pasted at Okonkwo’s last known residential address in Nsukka, Enugu State, or alternatively handed to any adult found at the residence. The court further held that the substituted service must be carried out in accordance with the order before the matter proceeds.

The suit stems from alleged defamatory statements reportedly made by Okonkwo during a television interview, in which he accused Obi and some leaders of the NDC in the South-East of demanding additional payments from National Assembly aspirants seeking party tickets. Obi has denied the allegations, describing them as false, malicious and damaging to his reputation.

Before commencing the legal action, Obi’s lawyers had reportedly issued a pre-action demand asking Okonkwo to retract the statements, publish a public apology and pay damages. Following the expiration of the ultimatum, Obi proceeded to file the defamation suit before the Onitsha Judicial Division of the Anambra State High Court.

With the court now approving substituted service, the case is expected to move to the next stage once proof of service is filed in compliance with the court’s directive.

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