Get Guardian on Google****Joins Rapid Response Team
Evangelist Comrade Tony Akeni has formally accepted his appointment as Spokesperson of the Big Tent Independent Campaign Council and as a member of the Elevate Nigeria Rapid Response Team.
Akeni conveyed his acceptance in a letter addressed to Prof. Pat Utomi Convener of the Big Tent Council and the Rapid Response Team on Saturday.
He thanked the leadership for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to discharge the responsibilities of both offices in line with the established guidelines and directives of the organisations.
He also assured them of his commitment to upholding the values, principles and objectives of the Council and the Elevate Nigeria initiative.
Recognising that the new roles demand discipline and consistency, Akeni stressed the importance of institutional guidance and effective communication.
He therefore asked for an official operational manual setting out the Council’s approved positions on public affairs, policy issues, political campaigns and communication protocols.
According to him, such a document would give the Council a firm framework for consistent public messaging and a clear presentation of its positions on issues of national importance.
He added that he is ready to work with the available support structures, resources and tools to meet the expectations attached to the appointments.
Akeni’s appointment was announced in a letter from Prof. Utomi, who described the Big Tent as a purpose-driven, transformative platform that aims not only to help determine election outcomes in Nigeria but also to shape policy direction toward rapid economic growth and social harmony.
He said Akeni’s engagement and public service showed the communication judgment, credibility, responsiveness and commitment needed to represent the Big Tent in public discourse and contribute to rapid-response coordination.
In this dual role, Akeni is expected to articulate the Council’s approved positions on political, policy, campaign and public-interest matters, support timely responses to emerging public issues, and work closely with the Convener, the Director General, the Media Team and the Rapid Response Team to ensure message consistency and factual accuracy.
His duties also include monitoring media coverage and public discourse, flagging issues that require clarification, rebuttal or escalation, and contributing to talking points, statements, briefings and other rapid-response materials.
He is further expected to engage journalists, stakeholders, civic groups and the public professionally, while avoiding unauthorised commitments or statements that conflict with approved Council positions.
Among his key deliverables are the prompt identification and escalation of misinformation, reputational risks and emerging controversies, as well as regular reports to the Media Team and Rapid Response Team on engagements held and issues handled.
The letter sets out a clear operating standard: spokespersons are to communicate only approved positions, verify facts before commenting publicly, coordinate on sensitive or fast-moving matters, and respect competing perspectives and healthy disagreement.
The appointment runs through the 2027 electoral cycle, unless reviewed, reconstituted or otherwise directed by the Big Tent leadership.
The acceptance comes as political engagements and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections gather pace, with political groups and campaign organisations strengthening their communication and rapid-response structures.
The Big Tent, associated with Prof. Utomi, has been involved in advocacy around alternative political leadership, governance and efforts to build a different political direction for Nigeria.
With the dual appointment, Akeni now stands at the centre of the Council’s public communication and rapid-response operations.
