Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, Atiku Abubakar, has appointed actor-turned-politician and party chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, as his official campaign spokesperson.

Okonkwo announced the appointment in a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, expressing gratitude to Atiku for entrusting him with the responsibility.

SEE ALSO: ‘He Can’t Face Free, Fair Primaries’ – Kenneth Okonkwo Blast Obi

“I give God all the glory for being appointed by His Excellency Atiku Abubakar as his spokesperson. I thank His Excellency for the immense confidence reposed in me,” he said.

The former Labour Party presidential campaign spokesperson described the appointment as a testament to Atiku’s leadership style, noting that the former vice president embraces dialogue, inclusiveness and compromise rather than taking offence when associates express differing opinions.

According to Okonkwo, discussions with Atiku and other leaders of the ADC addressed concerns surrounding the political interests of the South-East within the framework of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the current political realities.

He said the engagement reassured stakeholders that the interests of the South-East had been recognised and safeguarded despite the prevailing challenges.

Okonkwo also appreciated Dr. Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu, and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dr. Ekene Onwuka, for their efforts in strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

He further thanked his family, supporters and friends for their prayers and encouragement, while seeking continued support as he assumes the new role.

“I still covet your prayers for wisdom, courage, provision and protection needed to carry out this challenging responsibility, which will usher in a glorious and great Nigeria,” he added.

The appointment comes weeks after Okonkwo publicly criticised reports that the ADC was considering a South-South vice-presidential candidate, arguing that such a decision would further marginalise the South-East, which has not produced either the President or Vice President since 1999.

Despite the concerns, the ADC later named former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate after the former vice president secured the party’s presidential ticket.

The Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Abia State, Peter Azubuike, has expressed confidence that the party will record a landslide victory in the 2027 general elections, declaring that it would emerge victorious “before 2 p.m.” if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were to conduct an election today.

Azubuike made the assertion on Monday while addressing journalists at the party’s state secretariat in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

According to him, the Labour Party has overcome its internal challenges and is now fully united and mobilised ahead of the next general elections.

ALSO READ: JUST IN: Labour Party Bars Northerners, Zones 2027 Presidential Ticket to South

He maintained that the party remains the strongest political force at the grassroots in Abia, pointing to its current political representation across the state as evidence of its popularity.

“If INEC conducts an election today, we will win before 2 p.m. because we are the only political party with a strong grassroots presence. We have 184 councillors, 17 local government chairmen, and 20 members of the Abia State House of Assembly. That is evidence of our widespread acceptance and grassroots support,” Azubuike said.

The LP chairman also defended the party’s adoption of the direct primary system for selecting candidates ahead of the 2027 elections, describing it as a transparent process that promotes fairness and reduces internal disputes.

He dismissed reports suggesting that only one nomination form was sold in some constituencies, insisting that several aspirants contested for party tickets in different areas.

“It is not true that only one form was sold. In several constituencies, multiple aspirants purchased forms. In fact, not all sitting lawmakers secured the ticket. A clear example is the Osisioma/Obingwa/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, where the incumbent did not get the return ticket,” he stated.

Azubuike said the party had continued to strengthen its structures from the ward level to the state level and remained optimistic of another overwhelming victory in 2027.

He further stated that the faction of the Labour Party led by Senator Nenadi Usman is the one recognised by INEC, adding that the leadership had already been granted access to the electoral body’s portal for uploading candidates.

The party, he added, remains committed to internal democracy, grassroots mobilisation and effective leadership as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, has dismissed claims that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, poses any serious political threat to the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an interview on Mic On Podcast on Saturday, Dare insisted that the Federal Government remains focused on governance rather than political distractions, arguing that its achievements have strengthened its chances of securing another mandate.

ALSO READ: AAC Senatorial Candidate Chioma Ifemeludike Withdraws from 2027 Race

According to him, the administration is confident in its performance and has no reason to fear Obi’s growing political profile.

“This government is not afraid of Peter Obi. At one point, he may have been considered a threat, but today, he is no longer one because we are standing on the solid foundation of our performance,” Dare said.

He maintained that the Tinubu administration has taken deliberate steps to confront Nigeria’s economic and social challenges through policy reforms and strategic interventions.

“We have carefully studied the country’s problems and continue to roll out policies and programmes aimed at addressing them. We also have tangible achievements to show Nigerians,” he added.

Dare also took a swipe at Obi’s public engagements, criticizing his style of responding to national issues and suggesting that some of his interviews fail to provide direct answers to important questions.

“Peter Obi is not a nightmare to this government. If anything, some of his reactions are unnecessarily pedantic. Sometimes you listen to him respond to questions, and instead of giving clear answers, he goes around in circles in a way that leaves many people confused,” he stated.

On the prospects of the 2027 presidential election, Dare expressed confidence that Obi would be unable to repeat his 2023 feat in Lagos, where the former Labour Party presidential candidate defeated Tinubu during the presidential poll.

“Peter Obi defeated President Tinubu in Lagos in 2023, but this is a different political season. He will not defeat Tinubu in Lagos again,” Dare declared.

The comments come amid increasing political conversations over the 2027 general election, with opposition figures intensifying consultations while the ruling administration continues to defend its record in office.