By Peace Udugba — The Daily Torch Media
Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has unveiled the leadership structure of his campaign council ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Under the arrangement, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam will serve as Chairman of the National Campaign Council, while former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been appointed Deputy Chairman.
Senator Austin Akobundu was named Director-General and Campaign Manager, with responsibility for coordinating the campaign’s day-to-day operations and implementing its strategies nationwide. The appointments were announced on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Director of Strategic Communications of the campaign council.
The campaign structure comprises six operational directorates and 30 directors with defined responsibilities. Atiku said the arrangement was designed to promote clear responsibilities, accountability and effective coordination.
El-Rufai is expected to handle high-level political coordination and engagement with stakeholders across the country, while Akobundu will oversee the day-to-day running of the campaign.
Veteran journalist and publisher, Dele Momodu, was named Deputy Director-General of the Media and Communications Directorate, while former Kogi State Senator, Dino Melaye, was assigned responsibilities covering contact, mobilisation and public engagement.
Economist and banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen will coordinate the campaign’s policy team, alongside other members named in the structure. However, former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, has since publicly rejected his reported inclusion in the team.
Former Edo State Governor and pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie Oyegun, will chair the Campaign Advisory Council. Senator Ben Obi and Lawal Batagarawa were named Deputy Chairmen, with Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, as Secretary.
The campaign said its policy focus would include the rising cost of living, unemployment, insecurity, declining purchasing power and governance.
Atiku said the campaign structure was based on fewer offices, clearer responsibilities and greater accountability, stressing that positions would be tied to defined assignments and measurable results.
The unveiling comes as political parties and presidential candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
