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

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has approved the composition of a National Campaign Council and Presidential Campaign Management Committee to coordinate his campaign activities.

The campaign structure, according to a statement issued by Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication and Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, was designed to streamline operations, minimise bureaucracy and prevent duplication of responsibilities.

Under the new arrangement, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam will serve as Chairman of the National Campaign Council, while former Kaduna State Governor and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir El-Rufai, was appointed Deputy Chairman.

Senator Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central Senatorial District and a former Minister of State for Defence, will serve as Director-General and Campaign Manager.

Akobundu, a retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army, is expected to coordinate the day-to-day operations of the campaign and oversee the activities of its various directorates.

The campaign organisation has been divided into six major operational directorates, with each headed by a Deputy Director-General. About 30 directors have also been assigned specific responsibilities across the campaign structure.

Veteran journalist and publisher, Dele Momodu, will head the Media and Communications Directorate, while former Kogi State Senator, Dino Melaye, is also expected to contribute to national mobilisation and public engagement.

The policy team will be led by economist and banker, Mohammed Hayatudeen, with Professor Mohammed Sagagi serving as Deputy Chairman and Aare Aremijoye as Secretary.

The unveiling of the campaign structure comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election continue to gather momentum, with major political parties and emerging political alliances positioning themselves for the contest.

Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, is now seeking the presidency on the platform of the ADC.

The choice of El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State and former FCT minister, places a prominent political figure within the leadership structure of the campaign, while the appointment of Akobundu gives the campaign a central figure for its operational coordination.

The ADC campaign council is expected to commence preparations for nationwide mobilisation, policy communication and other activities as the party works towards the 2027 general elections.