2027: Atiku appoints Okonkwo as Spokesman amid N5 billion libel lawsuit

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in the forthcoming general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has appointed Mr Keneth Okonkwo as Spokesman ahead of his electioneering campaign kickoff.

The appointment comes few days after the former actor turned politician strongly criticised Atiku’s choice of Vice Presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

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Keneth Okonkwo is facing a libel lawsuit to the tune of N5 billion instituted against him by Mr Peter Obi, a presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, NDC at the Anambra State High Court in Onitsha.

Okonkwo claimed that Peter Obi and some NDC leaders in the South-East demanded additional payments from aspirants for the party’s tickets for National Assembly positions.

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He insisted that he has evidence to support his claim of Obi’s involvement in extortion, adding that Obi was in a hotel room in Abuja, compiled lists before making dishonest demands.

After Okonkwo’s claims, Obi’s legal team issued a pre-action letter demanding a retraction, a public apology on Channels Television and social media platforms, N5 billion in damages, and an undertaking that Okonkwo would refrain from making similar statements in the future.

Meanwhile, Okonkwo announced on his official X account on Thursday, thanking Atiku for the confidence reposed in him.

“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,” he wrote.

Okonkwo in the post appreciated Atiku for his leadership style of embracing dialohue with people who expressed differing opinion rather than taking offence when associates 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 said.

According to him, his meeting with Atiku and other ADC leaders addressed worries concerning the interests of the South-East despite what he described as challenges posed by the Electoral Act, 2026.

“At a dialogue with HE AA and other well-meaning members of the African Democratic Congress, the interests of the South-East have been discussed and guaranteed within the existing challenges posed by the Electoral Act, 2026, and the realities on the ground,” he stated.

He also expressed appreciation to Dr Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu, and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dr Ekene Onwuka, for their contributions to strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

The appointment comes weeks after Okonkwo publicly criticised the reported selection of the ADC’s vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election, warning that choosing a candidate from the South-South would further marginalise the South-East in national politics.

He argued that such a decision would continue to deny the South-East representation in either the presidency or vice presidency.

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