Kenneth Okonkwo Hails Atiku, Defends Subsidy Plan

The Spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign, Kenneth Okonkwo, has described former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as Nigeria’s “clear leader,” praising his economic record and commitment to restoring petrol subsidy.

In a post on his X account on Friday, Okonkwo urged Nigerians to support Atiku’s presidential ambition, arguing that his experience in government and concern for citizens’ welfare make him the right candidate for the 2027 election.

“Atiku is now the clear leader whom other candidates are following in every important national discourse,” he wrote.

Okonkwo, a former Labour Party chieftain who served as spokesperson for Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, was appointed Atiku’s campaign spokesperson in July after the former vice-president emerged as the ADC’s presidential candidate.

Defending Atiku’s record, Okonkwo said the former vice-president helped build Nigeria’s strongest economy while serving as deputy to former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007.

“As the head of the economic team, between 1999 and 2007, and as the VP of Nigeria, he built the strongest economy so far for Nigeria. They paid subsidy and paid off our international debt,” he stated.

He also described Atiku as “humane and humble,” saying his proposal to bring back subsidy reflects a policy of prioritising people and their welfare.

“His promise to bring back subsidy is a reflection of his policy of putting people and their welfare first,” Okonkwo added.

The comments come amid renewed debate over petrol prices and government support for consumers ahead of the 2027 general election. Atiku has proposed production support for locally refined petrol to help lower pump prices.

The Federal Government has questioned the proposal’s legal and fiscal basis.The debate intensified this week after the government announced a 30-day petrol discount through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Atiku criticised the measure as temporary relief that would not address underlying cost-of-living pressures.Okonkwo concluded by describing Atiku as a patriot who should be elected “for the security and welfare of all Nigerians.”

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