Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has appointed actor-turned-politician and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kenneth Okonkwo, as his spokesperson.

This came weeks after the politician openly criticised the party’s choice of vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Okonkwo disclosed the appointment in a statement posted on his official X handle on Thursday, where he expressed appreciation to Atiku for entrusting him with the role.

“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.

The former Labour Party, LP, presidential campaign spokesperson described the appointment as a reflection of Atiku’s inclusive leadership style, noting that the former vice president prefers dialogue and consensus-building rather than hostility toward associates who 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,” Okonkwo stated.

He revealed that discussions held with Atiku and other leaders of the ADC addressed concerns surrounding the political interests of the South-East despite what he described as limitations created 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 added.

Okonkwo also expressed gratitude to Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu, and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Ekene Onwuka, for their contributions toward strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

“My sincere gratitude to my family, fans, and friends for their support and prayers, which God answered in covering my errors and colouring my efforts to pave way for this appointment. I still covet your prayers for wisdom, courage, provision, and protection needed to carry out this challenging post, which will usher in a glorious and great Nigeria,” he said.

The appointment comes shortly after Okonkwo publicly faulted the ADC’s selection of its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

He had warned that reports suggesting the party was considering a candidate from the South-South region for the vice-presidential slot could deepen what he described as the continued marginalisation of the South-East in Nigeria’s political structure.

According to him, such a decision would further deny the South-East the opportunity of producing either the president or vice president, a situation he noted had persisted since 1999.

By Angela Atabo

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa and some ministers have commended President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure and economic reforms.

They gave the commendation on Wednesday during the inauguration of the 700-kilometre, six-lane Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Superhighway.

Sule said the highway would improve security, facilitate trade and strengthen economic integration by linking several states across the country.

He described the project as a strategic corridor connecting the eastern part of the country with Abuja and extending to Borno.

According to him, the highway will enhance national connectivity and support economic development across the benefiting states.

Sule also credited the Federal Government’s economic reforms with boosting monthly allocations to states.

He listed the reforms as fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate reforms and increased VAT revenue.

The governor said the increased allocations enabled Nasarawa to execute numerous development projects without borrowing.

He added that the reforms had created an enabling environment for investments in the state.

Sule cited the establishment of lithium processing plants as evidence of growing investor confidence in Nasarawa.

He expressed confidence that residents would continue supporting President Tinubu’s administration.

Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, described the highway as the fourth legacy project of the Tinubu administration.

He said the project reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that promotes national unity and economic growth.

Goronyo said construction would commence with the 125-kilometre Akwanga-Jos section.

According to him, the superhighway will ultimately extend to Maiduguri through Bauchi, Gombe and Biu.

He said the project would improve road safety, reduce travel time and lower transportation costs.

Goronyo added that the highway would create jobs, stimulate economic activities and improve connectivity between the North-Central and North-East.

He commended governors, traditional rulers, host communities and other stakeholders for supporting the project.

The minister also praised the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, for his commitment to road infrastructure development.

Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, also commended Tinubu’s economic reforms.

She described the reforms as comprehensive and impactful, saying they complemented ongoing infrastructure investments.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the administration was expanding access to financing for small businesses and implementing programmes to improve citizens’ welfare.

She expressed confidence that sustained implementation of the administration’s policies would accelerate national development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi