Momodu Says Atiku Picked El-Rufai to Honour His Sacrifice

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has said former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar appointed former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as deputy chairman of his 2027 Presidential Campaign Council partly to honour his political sacrifices.

Momodu, who serves as Deputy Director-General of the campaign’s Media and Communications Directorate, made the remarks while speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Friday.

Atiku unveiled his campaign council on Thursday, naming Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as chairman and El-Rufai as deputy chairman.

Explaining the decision, Momodu said El-Rufai’s appointment was a way of recognising what he described as the former governor’s political travails.

He also said El-Rufai’s decision to return to Nigeria despite knowing that he could face arrest demonstrated his commitment to the country.

El-Rufai is currently facing legal proceedings and has denied wrongdoing. Momodu criticised the bail conditions imposed on the former governor, describing them as excessive.

Momodu also attributed significant political influence to El-Rufai, claiming that he played an important role in President Bola Tinubu’s emergence in the 2023 presidential election.

“If not for him, I’m sure President Bola Tinubu would not be in office today,” Momodu said.

He said El-Rufai’s inclusion in the campaign structure reflected his political relevance and the role he could play as the ADC prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The campaign council also includes former APC National Chairman John Oyegun, Momodu, Dino Melaye and other political figures.