2027: Atiku Unveils ADC Campaign Council, Names El-Rufai Deputy Chairman

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has approved the composition of his Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The campaign structure, described by the campaign as lean and people-driven, will be chaired by Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, while former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, will serve as Deputy Chairman.

The appointments were announced on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council and Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku.

Senator Austin Akobundu was appointed Director-General and Campaign Manager, with responsibility for coordinating the campaign’s operations and translating its strategy into coordinated action.

According to Shaibu, the council will operate through six major directorates, headed by Deputy Directors-General, with 30 directors assigned specific responsibilities. The structure is intended to reduce duplication and ensure that each office has clearly defined duties and measurable responsibilities.

Veteran journalist and publisher, Dele Momodu, will head the Media and Communications Directorate, while former Senator Dino Melaye will lead Contact and Mobilisation.

The campaign’s Policy Team will be chaired by economist and banker Mohammed Hayatudeen, working with Professor Mohammed Sagagi and other members, including former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor, Professor Kingsley Moghalu.

Former Edo State Governor and pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Oyegun, will chair the Campaign Advisory Board, with other members providing strategic and advisory support.

Shaibu said the campaign structure was deliberately designed to reflect the economic circumstances confronting Nigerians, including rising food and transportation costs, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power.

“When families are struggling with food prices, transport costs and shrinking incomes, a campaign asking for their trust must show discipline in how it operates,” he said.

He said the campaign would measure its performance by how clearly it addresses issues affecting Nigerians and how effectively its structure translates its policies and strategy into coordinated action.

The council is expected to coordinate Atiku’s campaign activities nationwide as the ADC prepares for the 2027 presidential election.