Atiku appoints Kenneth Okonkwo as 2027 presidential spokesperson amid legal battle with Obi
Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for 2027, has appointed ADC chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo as his spokesperson. Okonkwo announced the appointment via his verified X account this morning, sharing a screenshot of the undated appointment letter signed by Atiku which states the role is for the 2027 general elections subject to party, campaign, legal and ethical terms.
The appointment comes amid an ongoing N8 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi against Okonkwo. Obi filed the suit on June 25 after Okonkwo refused to withdraw remarks alleging Obi and the NDC South-east caucus demanded N10 million bribes from House of Representatives aspirants to secure party tickets. On June 30, an Anambra State high court granted Obi leave to serve Okonkwo via substituted service.
Okonkwo had previously criticized Atiku's choice of former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi as ADC's vice-presidential candidate, arguing the slot should go to a South-easterner and vowing to withdraw support if Amaechi remained running mate. In his announcement post, Okonkwo claimed he had since met with Atiku and ADC leaders, stating that South-east interests had been discussed and guaranteed within electoral realities, framing the appointment as a resolution to his earlier criticism.