Atiku Unveils Campaign Council, Names El-Rufai, Momodu, Melaye

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has unveiled his Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The campaign council will be chaired by Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, while former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has been appointed Deputy Chairman.

Senator Augustine Okwudiri Akobundu will serve as Director-General and Campaign Manager, with responsibility for coordinating the campaign’s political and operational activities across the country.

The structure includes six major operational directorates, with 30 directors assigned specific responsibilities.

Veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu has been appointed Deputy Director-General of Media and Communications. He will oversee the campaign’s media operations across traditional, broadcast and digital platforms.

Former Kogi State Senator Dino Melaye will play a leading role in Contact and Mobilisation, with responsibilities covering national outreach, mobilisation and public engagement.

The campaign’s policy structure will be coordinated by economist and banker Mohammed Hayatudeen. Professor Mohammed Sagagi will serve as Deputy Chairman of the Policy Team, while former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor Professor Kingsley Moghalu is among its members.

Former Edo State Governor and pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Oyegun, will chair the Campaign Advisory Council.

Other senior figures listed as campaign advisers include former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha.

The campaign also named Phrank Shaibu as Director of Strategic Communication and Kola Ologbondiyan as Director of Media and Publicity. Ladan Salihu will oversee Branding, while Moji Rhodes-Vivour will handle Digital and Online Media.

The campaign said the structure had been deliberately kept lean, with clearly defined responsibilities intended to minimise duplication and strengthen accountability.

According to the campaign, its central focus will include issues such as the cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power.

The unveiling marks the formal constitution of Atiku’s campaign structure as political parties and candidates begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The appointments bring together former government officials, politicians, media professionals, economists and other public figures to coordinate different aspects of the ADC presidential campaign.