ABUJA: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, has unveiled his presidential campaign council, naming prominent political figures, former governors, lawmakers and media professionals to key positions.
The campaign structure includes former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, media entrepreneur Dele Momodu and former senator Dino Melaye.
According to a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council and Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku, the appointments are designed to strengthen the party’s political mobilisation, communication and campaign operations ahead of the elections.
The council will be chaired by Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, while El-Rufai will serve as deputy chairman. Senator Austin Okwudiri Akobundu has been appointed Director-General and Campaign Manager.
The campaign council features politicians and professionals expected to coordinate activities across different areas, including policy development, media relations, grassroots mobilisation and stakeholder engagement.
Akobundu, a retired colonel of the Nigerian Army, former Minister of State for Defence and serving senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, will oversee the campaign’s political and operational activities.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will lead the presidential campaign, with Amaechi listed as the vice-presidential candidate in the announced structure.
The council also includes a six-member Campaign Advisory Board chaired by former All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Chief John Oyegun.
Other members of the advisory board are Lawal Batagarawa, deputy chairman; Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, secretary; Senator Ireti Kingibe; and Hajia Naja’atu Mohammed.
The announced campaign structure includes the following appointments:
- Presidential candidate: Atiku Abubakar
- Vice-presidential candidate: Rotimi Amaechi
- Chairman, Presidential Campaign Council: Kashim Ibrahim-Imam
- Deputy Chairman: Nasir El-Rufai
- Director-General and Campaign Manager: Senator Austin Okwudiri Akobundu
Campaign Advisory Board
- Chairman: Chief John Oyegun
- Deputy Chairman: Lawal Batagarawa
- Secretary: Eyitayo Jegede, SAN
- Member: Senator Ireti Kingibe
- Member: Hajia Naja’atu Mohammed
The campaign’s policy team will be headed by businessman and economist Mohammed Hayatudeen, with Professor Mohammed Sagagi serving as deputy chairman.
Other members include former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor Professor Kingsley Moghalu, Professor Mustapha Akinkunmi and Senator Abdul Ningi.
The team is expected to focus on policy proposals addressing the country’s economic and social challenges.
Dele Momodu has been named Deputy Director-General of the Media and Communications Directorate.
Other appointments include:
- Head of Strategic Communication: Phrank Shaibu
- Head of Media and Publicity: Kola Ologbondiyan
- Head of Branding: Ladan Salihu
- Head of Digital and Online Media: Moji Rhodes-Vivour
The campaign spokespersons named in the announcement are Kenneth Okonkwo, Keturah King, Nana Kazaure, Dr Uche Diala and Alhaji Dahiru Maishanu.
Former senator Dino Melaye will oversee Contact and Mobilisation, coordinating stakeholder engagement, youth mobilisation, women’s mobilisation and grassroots activities.
Salihu Tanko Yakasai will head the Diversity and Support Groups Directorate, while Lauretta Onochie will lead the Technical and Systems Directorate.
The campaign council also named the following political figures as senior advisers:
- Aminu Waziri Tambuwal
- Abdulfatah Ahmed
- Emeka Ihedioha
- Adamu Maina Waziri
- Senator Ehigie Uzamere
- Senator Felix Ogunwale
- Senator Patricia Akwashiki
According to the statement, the campaign structure is intended to address concerns arising from Nigeria’s economic difficulties, including rising food prices, transportation costs, unemployment and declining purchasing power.
Shaibu quoted Atiku as saying the effectiveness of the campaign council would be measured by its ability to respond to issues affecting ordinary Nigerians, particularly the cost-of-living crisis, insecurity and unemployment.
The campaign’s policy direction is expected to feature prominently as political parties prepare to present their programmes and seek public support ahead of the 2027 elections.
With experienced politicians, media professionals and policy experts included in the structure, the ADC campaign will face the task of translating its appointments into a coordinated national campaign capable of attracting voters across the country.
The announcement marks a significant step in the party’s preparations for the 2027 presidential election, although the ultimate impact of the campaign council will depend on its organisation, policy proposals and ability to connect with voters.
