Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s decision to appoint former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as deputy chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council has continued to attract attention ahead of the 2027 general election.
Veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu, who has also been appointed Deputy Director-General of the campaign’s Media and Communications Directorate, has explained why El-Rufai was given a prominent position in the campaign structure.
El-Rufai was named deputy chairman of the council chaired by Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, while Senator Austin Akobundu was appointed Director-General and Campaign Manager.
According to the campaign structure announced on Thursday, El-Rufai will be responsible for high-level political coordination and engagement with key stakeholders across the country.
Atiku’s campaign described the former Kaduna governor as bringing experience in public administration, political organisation and executive governance to the role.
Momodu’s explanation comes as the ADC brings together several prominent political figures under Atiku’s campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The campaign council also includes former Edo State Governor John Oyegun, former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye, former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor Kingsley Moghalu and former presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, among others. (Punch Newspapers)
Momodu, a former presidential aspirant and long-time associate of Atiku, will oversee the campaign’s media and communications operations across traditional, broadcast and digital platforms.
The campaign has been organised into six operational directorates, with 30 directors assigned specific responsibilities. The stated objective is to limit duplication and bureaucracy while ensuring that each appointee has a defined role and is accountable for results. (Punch Newspapers)
Atiku said the campaign would focus on issues including the cost of living, unemployment, insecurity, declining purchasing power and governance.
The unveiling of the council marks a significant step in the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 election, with Atiku seeking to coordinate a broad political structure around his presidential bid.
