2027: Atiku names El-Rufai, Dino Melaye, Ibrahim-Imam, others to ADC campaign council

ABUJA — Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has unveiled his Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Kashim Ibrahim-Imam appointed chairman and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai named deputy chairman.

The appointments were announced on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council and Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku.

Senator Austin Akobundu will serve as Director-General and Campaign Manager, overseeing the campaign’s operations and implementation of its strategy.

Shaibu said the council would have six Deputy Directors-General responsible for operational directorates, supported by 30 directors with specific portfolios.

Dele Momodu, a veteran journalist and publisher, was named head of the Media and Communications Directorate, while former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye will oversee Contact and Mobilisation.

Economist and banker Mohammed Hayatudeen will chair the Policy Team, working with Professor Mohammed Sagagi and other members, including Professor Kingsley Moghalu.

John Oyegun, former Edo State Governor and pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was named chairman of the Campaign Advisory Board.

According to Shaibu, the campaign structure was intentionally kept lean and people-driven to reflect the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.

He said the campaign would place emphasis on issues such as the cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power.

“When families are struggling with food prices, transport costs and shrinking incomes, a campaign asking for their trust must show discipline in how it operates,” Shaibu said.

Shaibu said the structure would also ensure that every directorate had clearly defined responsibilities, with appointees expected to be accountable for their results.

“Our measure of success will be how clearly we address the cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power—and how effectively we organise to make Nigeria affordable again,” he said.

The campaign council is expected to oversee and coordinate Atiku’s presidential campaign activities nationwide as the 2027 election approaches.

The ADC had previously submitted Atiku’s name to INEC as its presidential candidate, alongside former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as the vice-presidential candidate.

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