Dickson Appoints Steve Nwosu Spokesperson, Ilo Chief Technical Adviser

National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has appointed Sani Takori as Political Adviser, VinMartin Obiora Ilo as Chief Technical Adviser and Steve Nwosu as his Spokesman.

The appointments, which take immediate effect, are aimed at strengthening the operations, administration and strategic communications of Dickson and the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The appointments were announced in a statement signed on Monday by the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, who said the three appointees would handle briefs covering Dickson’s activities as the party’s National Leader and as a serving senator.

According to the statement, Ilo and Nwosu bring to their new roles extensive experience in media, communications and public affairs, while Takori was described as a tested public administrator and politician with an extensive political résumé.

Takori, a lawyer, began his career in the old Sokoto State and subsequently served as Registrar, Magistrate, Solicitor-General and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Zamfara State.

He is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University and the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies and served in the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007.

Takori also secured his party’s senatorial ticket for his district on four occasions but voluntarily stepped down in favour of candidates who eventually won the elections.

A founding member of the NDC, Takori served as its Protem National Secretary when the party was registered. He was also the Zamfara State governorship candidate of the Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) in the 2019 election.

He previously served as a local government chairman, National Legal Adviser to the Council of Ulamas and Chief Legal Officer of the Nigerian Electoral Commission. He was also secretary of the Yarima presidential campaign in 2003 and 2007.

The 68-year-old politician is from Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Ilo, the new Chief Technical Adviser, is a media executive, broadcast journalist and development and international relations expert with nearly four decades of experience in broadcasting, public service, strategic communications and development consultancy.

He is an alumnus of the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, and holds degrees in Mass Communication, Development Studies and International Relations and Strategic Studies from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Lagos State University.

Ilo began his career with Radio Nigeria, where he rose to become a Network Newscaster, before joining Africa Independent Television (AIT). He retired from AIT in 2013 as Director, Special Duties and South-East Operations.

He also served as Special Adviser on Media to the Governor of Enugu State and was a member of the Governing Board of the National Broadcasting Commission.

Until his appointment, Ilo was President and Chief Executive Officer of Signature TV. He is from Enugu State.

Nwosu, meanwhile, is a long-standing associate of Dickson and a journalist, media administrator, consultant and political communication strategist with experience across print, broadcast and online media.

He is the writer of the syndicated satirical weekly column, FRANKTALK, and has more than 30 years of experience in journalism and media management.

Nwosu, a graduate of the University of Nigeria and Lagos Business School, worked with The Guardian and THISDAY, where he held positions including Features Editor, Political Editor, Editor of THISDAYStyle and Editor of THISDAY on Saturday.

He later joined The Sun Newspapers at its inception as pioneer Editor of Saturday Sun. He subsequently became Editor of Daily Sun, Executive Director, Corporate Services, and Deputy Managing Director and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper.

He later established The Nigerian Xpress Newspaper and had a brief stint at PLUSTVAfrica as Controller of News. He also served on the editorial boards of
THISDAY and The Sun.

Nwosu is currently Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Edibofa Communication and Publishing Limited, owners of People’s FM 105.5 Abuja, People’s FM 93.1 Yenagoa, Universal Television Africa and The Nigerian Xpress Newspaper.

He served for eight years on the Standing Committee of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, first as a member representing the West Zone and later as Treasurer.

The NDC statement described the appointments as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s operations and strategic communication as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.