Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has named former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as Deputy Chairman of his campaign council ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
The appointment was announced on Thursday as the ADC unveiled its 69-member Presidential Campaign Council, with Kashim Ibrahim-Imam appointed chairman and Senator Augustine Okwudiri Akobundu named Director-General and Campaign Manager.
El-Rufai’s appointment comes amid reports that the former governor remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in connection with an ongoing investigation. The allegations against him have not been established in court, and El-Rufai has denied wrongdoing.
The campaign structure brings together several prominent political figures. Veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu was named Deputy Director-General of Media and Communications, while former Kogi State Senator Dino Melaye will oversee Contact and Mobilisation.
The council’s policy team includes economist and banker Mohammed Hayatudeen and former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor Professor Kingsley Moghalu.
Former Edo State Governor and former APC National Chairman John Oyegun will chair the Campaign Advisory Council.
The campaign management structure is divided into six major operational directorates, including Administration, Operations, Media and Communications, Contact and Mobilisation, Diversity and Support Groups, and Technical and Systems.
The ADC said the structure was designed as a lean organisation with clearly defined responsibilities as the party prepares for the 2027 election.
The unveiling marks a significant step in Atiku’s campaign preparations as political parties begin to build their structures ahead of the presidential contest.
