Atiku Unveils Campaign Council, Names El-Rufai Deputy Chairman

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has unveiled his campaign council for the 2027 presidential election, naming former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as Deputy Chairman.

The African Democratic Congress(ADC) presidential candidate also appointed Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as chairman of the National Campaign Council, while Senator Austin Akobundu will serve as Director-General and Campaign Manager.

Atiku announced the appointments on Thursday through a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the campaign council and Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to the former vice-president.

The council comprises 69 members and will operate through six major directorates. Thirty directors will work across the directorates with specific responsibilities.

The campaign said the structure reflects the economic difficulties facing Nigerians. It added that the arrangement would avoid unnecessary duplication and bureaucracy.

According to Atiku, the campaign will not centre on titles or political patronage. Instead, he said it would focus on defined responsibilities, accountability and measurable results.

“The size and character of the Council deliberately reflect the mood of the nation and the severe economic realities confronting millions of Nigerians,” the statement said.

El-Rufai, who served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and later governor of Kaduna State, will handle high-level political coordination and engagement with stakeholders across the country.

The campaign described him as bringing experience in public administration, political organisation and executive governance to the council.

Akobundu, who represents Abia Central in the Senate, will oversee the day-to-day running of the campaign. The former Nigerian Army colonel also served as Minister of State for Defence.

The campaign said his responsibilities would include translating its strategy into action and coordinating its various arms while ensuring discipline and accountability.

The six operational directorates will each have a Deputy Director-General. The structure will also include 30 directors assigned to specific areas of responsibility.

Veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu will serve as Deputy Director-General of the Media and Communications Directorate. He will coordinate activities across traditional, broadcast and digital platforms.

Former senator Dino Melaye will also play a role in contact, mobilisation and public engagement as part of the campaign’s national outreach structure.

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

Professor Kingsley Moghalu, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), is also listed among members of the policy team.

The campaign’s advisory council will be chaired by John Oyegun, former Edo State governor and pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress(APC). Former Senator Ben Obi and Lawal Batagarawa will serve as Deputy Chairmen, while Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, will serve as Secretary.

Atiku said the campaign would also concentrate on issues affecting Nigerians, including the rising cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power.

He said the effectiveness of the campaign would depend on its organisation and the clarity of its policies rather than the number of positions created.

“This campaign belongs to the Nigerian people,” Atiku said in the statement, adding that its strength would be measured by how effectively it engages the concerns of citizens.

The unveiling of the council marks the establishment of Atiku’s national campaign machinery ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The structure is expected to coordinate his political outreach, policy communication and mobilisation activities across the country.