The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has unveiled the leadership structure of his 2027 National Campaign Council, appointing Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as chairman and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as deputy chairman.
The appointments were announced in a statement issued by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Director of Strategic Communications for the campaign council, Phrank Shaibu.
Austin Akobundu was named Director-General and Campaign Manager, with veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu appointed Deputy Director-General of the Media and Communications Directorate.
Atiku said the campaign would operate through six major directorates with 30 directors, describing the structure as deliberately lean to promote accountability, reduce bureaucracy and ensure clearly defined responsibilities.
He said the decision was informed partly by the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, arguing that the campaign should demonstrate the discipline and prudence it seeks to bring to governance.
Ibrahim-Imam, according to the statement, brings decades of experience in political organisation and administration to his role as campaign chairman.
El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Kaduna governor, is expected to provide political coordination and engage key stakeholders across the country.
As Director-General and Campaign Manager, Akobundu will oversee the day-to-day administration of the campaign, coordinate its various arms and implement its strategies.
Momodu will coordinate media and communications activities across traditional, broadcast and digital platforms.
The campaign also listed Dino Melaye among those expected to play a role in its national mobilisation, public engagement and outreach efforts.
Atiku named economist and banker Mohammed Hayatudeen as head of the campaign’s policy team, with Prof. Mohammed Sagagi and Aare Aremijoye supporting the team.
Former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, was also named as a contributor to the policy development process.
The Campaign Advisory Council will be chaired by John Oyegun, former Edo State governor and pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress.
Senator Ben Obi and Lawal Batagarawa will serve as deputy chairmen, while Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) was named secretary.
