With the 2027 presidential race gathering momentum, African Democratic Congress candidate Atiku Abubakar has unveiled the team that will drive his campaign across Nigeria.
The former Vice-President named Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as Chairman of his National Campaign Council, while former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was appointed Deputy Chairman.
Atiku announced the structure through a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Director of Strategic Communications for the campaign council, Phrank Shaibu.
Senator Austin Akobundu was appointed Director-General and Campaign Manager. His responsibilities will include coordinating the campaign’s operations and ensuring that its various arms work towards the agreed strategy.
Veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu was named Deputy Director-General of the Media and Communications Directorate.
The campaign structure comprises six operational directorates and 30 directors, with the leadership describing it as a lean arrangement intended to minimise bureaucracy and give officials clearly defined responsibilities.
Ibrahim-Imam will provide overall leadership as council chairman, while El-Rufai is expected to handle political coordination and engagement with key stakeholders.
Dino Melaye will head the Contact and Mobilisation Directorate, where he will be involved in the campaign’s outreach and mobilisation activities.
The Media and Communications Directorate, meanwhile, will coordinate the campaign’s presence across traditional, broadcast and digital platforms under Momodu’s leadership.
Mohammed Hayatudeen was named to lead the policy team, with Mohammed Sagagi and Aare Aremijoye also listed as members.
However, former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor Kingsley Moghalu later disputed his inclusion in the team. Moghalu said he was not consulted and did not consent to being named as a member of Atiku’s policy team.
Former Edo State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman John Oyegun will chair the Campaign Advisory Council. Ben Obi and Lawal Batagarawa were named deputy chairmen, while Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, will serve as secretary.
The wider campaign structure also includes representatives responsible for administration, operations, technical systems, diversity and support groups, as well as voter and polling-unit operations.
Atiku said the campaign would focus on issues such as the rising cost of living, unemployment, insecurity, declining purchasing power and governance.
He said the structure was designed to reflect the economic pressures facing Nigerians, with campaign officials expected to work within clearly defined roles and remain accountable for results.
The announcement comes as political parties and presidential candidates step up preparations for the 2027 election, with INEC having published the final list of presidential candidates and running mates.
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