2027 elections: El-rufai makes ADC campaign council

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has appointed former Kaduna state Governor Nasir El-Rufai as deputy chairman of his National Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The appointment was announced on Thursday by Atiku’s spokesman and Director of Strategic Communication of the campaign, Phrank Shaibu, as the ADC presidential campaign unveiled what it described as a “lean” and strategically structured National Campaign Council and Presidential Campaign Management Committee. Blueprint reports

According to the campaign, the structure is designed around clearly defined responsibilities, national inclusion and accountability, with fewer offices intended to reduce duplication and bureaucracy.

El-Rufai takes political coordination role

El-Rufai, who served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory before becoming governor of Kaduna State, is expected to play a senior role in the campaign’s political coordination and engagement with stakeholders across the country.

The campaign described his appointment as part of its effort to draw on individuals with experience in public administration, political organisation and executive governance.

He will serve as deputy to Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, who has been appointed Chairman of the National Campaign Council.

Ibrahim-Imam is described by the campaign as an experienced political organiser and administrator with decades of involvement in national politics.

Akobundu to oversee daily operations

The campaign also appointed Senator Austin Akobundu as Director-General and Campaign Manager.

Akobundu, a serving senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, is a retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army and former Minister of State for Defence.

The campaign said his military, legislative, administrative and political experience would be deployed in coordinating the day-to-day operations of the presidential campaign.

As Director-General, he will be responsible for translating the campaign’s strategy into action, coordinating its various arms and ensuring discipline, cohesion and accountability across the structure.

Six directorates created

According to the campaign, its operational structure has been divided into six major directorates, each headed by a Deputy Director-General.

The structure will have 30 directors with specific responsibilities across the various directorates.

The campaign said the arrangement was deliberately designed to prevent duplication of duties and ensure that every appointee has clearly defined responsibilities.

“The philosophy underlying the campaign structure is straightforward: fewer offices, clearer responsibilities and greater accountability,” the statement said.

Dele Momodu to lead media operations

Veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu was named Deputy Director-General of the Media and Communications Directorate.

He is expected to coordinate the campaign’s media and communication operations across traditional, broadcast and digital platforms.

The campaign also named former Senator Dino Melaye as a key figure in its wider national outreach and mobilisation efforts, citing his political experience and public engagement.

The policy arm will be coordinated by economist and banker Mohammed Hayatudeen, who will head the Policy Team.

He will work with Professor Mohammed Sagagi as Deputy Chairman and Aare Aremijoye as Secretary to develop policy proposals around issues affecting Nigerians.

Moghalu joins policy team

Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, is also expected to contribute to the campaign’s policy architecture.

The campaign described Moghalu as an economist, scholar and public policy expert whose experience in monetary policy, financial-sector governance, international affairs and economic development would strengthen its policy capacity.

The campaign said the policy team would seek to translate the concerns and aspirations of Nigerians into practical proposals as the 2027 election approaches.

Oyegun heads advisory council

Former Edo State Governor and pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Oyegun, was appointed Chairman of the Campaign Advisory Council.

Former Senator Ben Obi and Lawal Batagarawa were named Deputy Chairmen, while Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, was appointed Secretary.

The campaign said the advisory structure would provide guidance and strategic input to the broader presidential campaign organisation.

El-Rufai’s appointment comes amid legal proceedings

El-Rufai’s appointment comes while the former governor remains in detention, according to reports, in connection with investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

He has also faced legal proceedings arising from allegations by government authorities. The allegations remain matters before the relevant legal processes and should not be treated as convictions.

The former governor has continued to participate in public political discourse despite his legal circumstances, including a statement published on Wednesday in which he reflected on his relationships with associates and supporters during difficult times.

ADC campaign structure takes shape

The announcement marks another stage in the development of Atiku’s presidential campaign organisation under the ADC ahead of the 2027 general election.

The party has been positioning itself for the contest while unveiling candidates and campaign structures across the country. Recent ADC activities have included the release of governorship candidates for several states.

Atiku, a former vice-president and multiple-time presidential candidate, is expected to campaign on the platform of the ADC after emerging as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

With the appointment of the National Campaign Council, attention will now turn to the mobilisation of the party’s structures and the commencement of broader engagements with voters and political stakeholders across the country.