Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has named Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to his campaign council for the 2027 elections.
Phrank Shaibu, Atiku’s media aide, announced the appointments in a statement issued on Thursday, saying Kashim Ibrahim-Imam will chair the council, with el-Rufai as deputy chairman.
Austin Akobundu will serve as director-general and campaign manager, responsible for coordinating campaign’s structures and operations.
Hayatu-Deen, who contested the ADC presidential primary alongside Atiku, will coordinate the campaign policy team.
He is to work with Mohammed Sagagi and Kingsley Moghalu, to develop practical answers to the problems Nigerians have put before the campaign, while John Oyegun, former national chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), will chair the campaign advisory board.
According to the statement, six deputy directors-general will lead the operational directorates, working with 30 directors assigned specific responsibilities.
Dele Momodu will head media and communications, while Dino Melaye, former Kogi west senator, will lead contact and mobilisation.
Shaibu said the ADC campaign structure was shaped by the realities Nigerians face every day.
“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,” the statement reads.
“This is a structure built for work. Every directorate has a duty. Every director has an assignment. Every appointee must account for 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.”
The campaign council list comes hours after el-Rufai, who played a key role in the formation of the ADC, said he would reconsider certain relationships as some of his friends have been silent during his ongoing corruption trial.
El-Rufai is facing trial over alleged money laundering and conversion of public property.
He has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 19, after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
See the full list below.
