ABUJA — African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has constituted his 2027 National Campaign Council, naming Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as chairman and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as deputy chairman.
Senator Austin Akobundu was appointed Director-General and Campaign Manager, while veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu will serve as Deputy Director-General of the Media and Communications Directorate.
The appointments were announced on Thursday by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Director of Strategic Communications of the campaign council, Phrank Shaibu.
Atiku said the campaign structure had been deliberately kept lean, with six operational directorates and 30 directors assigned specific responsibilities.
He said the arrangement was intended to limit duplication and bureaucracy while ensuring that campaign officials were accountable for defined assignments.
Ibrahim-Imam will provide political leadership as chairman, while Atiku said El-Rufai would handle high-level political coordination and engagement with stakeholders across the country.
Akobundu will oversee the day-to-day administration of the campaign, including implementation of its strategy and coordination of its various arms.
The former Vice-President said the structure was designed to reflect what he described as the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.
“This will not be a bloated campaign built around titles, privileges and political patronage,” Atiku said, adding that the organisation would focus on competence, accountability, national inclusion and measurable results.
Momodu is expected to coordinate the campaign’s media and communications activities across traditional, broadcast and digital platforms.
Former Kogi State Senator Dino Melaye will also play a role in national outreach, mobilisation and public engagement.
Economist and banker Mohammed Hayatudeen will lead the policy team, with Professor Mohammed Sagagi and former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor Kingsley Moghalu also contributing to the policy structure.
The Campaign Advisory Council will be chaired by former Edo State Governor and pioneer All Progressives Congress National Chairman John Oyegun. Former Senator Ben Obi and Lawal Batagarawa will serve as deputy chairmen, while Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, will be secretary.
Atiku said the campaign would focus on issues including the cost of living, unemployment, insecurity, declining purchasing power and governance.
He said the campaign’s effectiveness would be measured by its organisation, policy clarity and its engagement with concerns affecting Nigerians.
The council’s unveiling comes ahead of the formal campaign period for the 2027 presidential election. The Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable provides August 19 as the commencement date for presidential campaign activities.
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