Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has named Nollywood actor and lawyer Kenneth Okonkwo as his spokesperson ahead of the 2027 general elections, setting aside a history of sharp public criticism from the former Labour Party chieftain.
The appointment was confirmed Thursday in Abuja, days after a Federal High Court affirmed the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress, the platform Atiku is expected to use in 2027.
Okonkwo, who dumped the Labour Party in 2024 citing leadership failures, announced his new role in a statement, taking a swipe at his former ally Peter Obi.
“Peter Obi betrayed me,” Okonkwo said. “Atiku saw value in me and gave me a platform to serve Nigeria. I am proud to speak for a man with experience, capacity, and a clear vision for 2027.”
History of public clashes
The appointment comes after years of hostility. As Obi’s spokesman in 2022, Okonkwo branded Atiku “unfit” and “a threat to our democracy” on Channels TV following Atiku’s “north needs a northerner” comment. He urged INEC to prosecute Atiku under the Electoral Act.
The rift reopened last month. On June 15, 2026, Okonkwo publicly withdrew support for Atiku after ADC named Rotimi Amaechi as running mate, calling it “crude marginalisation of the South-East.” He told Atiku: “I did not join the coalition to assist in the further marginalisation of my own people.”
Yet Atiku opted for reconciliation. Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today Thursday, Okonkwo revealed: “I talked about Atiku Abubakar here in this studio much more than I would even talk about Peter Obi. And people were telling Atiku… ‘are you aware of what he said to you?’ Atiku said, ‘I am seeing the value in him, and his tenacity to bring about a great Nigeria.’”
“Rather than pick offence against any of his associates for expressing genuine reservations… HE AA always opts for dialogue and compromise,” Okonkwo added in his appointment statement.
The actor-turned-politician previously served as a spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council in 2023 before falling out with Obi over the party’s post-election strategy. He ended that association in July 2024, saying Obi “lacked the decisiveness required to lead Nigeria”.
Atiku, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, has not formally declared for 2027 but has intensified consultations. He met with ex-Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal in Abuja on Thursday, hours before Okonkwo’s appointment went public.
Reacting to Thursday’s court ruling that upheld David Mark’s ADC leadership, Atiku praised the judiciary for its “courage” and said the judgment “clears the path for democrats to reorganize ahead of 2027.”
Okonkwo’s defection to Atiku’s camp adds to a string of realignments as opposition figures position for the next election cycle. Political analysts say his media visibility and South-East roots could help Atiku counter narratives of regional imbalance.
Neither the PDP nor ADC has issued an official statement on Okonkwo’s role.
Atiku finished second in the 2023 presidential election with 6.9 million votes. He has contested for president six times since 1993.
