RismadarVoice Reporters, July 2, 2026
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has appointed chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, as his spokesperson.
Okonkwo announced the appointment on Thursday in a post on his X account, expressing gratitude to Atiku for the confidence reposed in him.
He described the appointment as a reflection of Atiku’s leadership style, saying the former vice president prefers dialogue and compromise over confrontation whenever concerns are raised by his associates.
According to Okonkwo, discussions with Atiku and leaders of the ADC addressed issues relating to the interests of the South-East within the framework of the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The appointment comes weeks after Okonkwo publicly criticised the ADC’s vice-presidential selection process for the 2027 general election, arguing that choosing a candidate from the South-South could further marginalise the South-East, which he said has not produced either the President or Vice President since 1999.
Meanwhile, the ADC has nominated former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election following Atiku’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate.
Okonkwo also expressed appreciation to Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu and Atiku’s aide, Ekene Onwuka, for their contributions to strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
