Atiku unveils 2027 campaign team, names Ibrahim-Imam chairman, El-Rufai deputy

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (NDC) Atiku Abubakar, has unveiled the leadership structure of his 2027 National Campaign Council, appointing Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as Chairman and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as Deputy Chairman.

The appointments were announced in a statement issued by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Director of Strategic Communications for the Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu.

Senator Austin Akobundu was named Director-General and Campaign Manager, while veteran journalist and publisher, Dele Momodu, was appointed Deputy Director-General of the Media and Communications Directorate.

Atiku said the campaign council had been deliberately structured as a lean organisation comprising six operational directorates and 30 directors.

According to him, the arrangement is intended to establish clear responsibilities, accountability and effective coordination while reflecting the economic challenges facing Nigerians.

He said, “The size and character of the Council deliberately reflect the mood of the nation and the severe economic realities confronting millions of Nigerians. At a time when families are being compelled to do more with less, the campaign must demonstrate the same discipline, prudence and sensitivity it seeks to bring to government.

“This will not be a bloated campaign built around titles, privileges and political patronage. It will operate as a people-driven organisation anchored on competence, accountability, national inclusion, clearly defined responsibilities and measurable results.

“The National Campaign Council will be chaired by Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, an experienced political organiser and administrator with decades of involvement in national politics.

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“Serving as Deputy Chairman is Nasir El-Rufai, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Kaduna State. El-Rufai brings extensive experience in public administration, political organisation and executive governance to the leadership of the Council. His role will include high-level political coordination and engagement with critical stakeholders across the country.”

Akobundu, as Director-General and Campaign Manager, is expected to supervise the council’s daily operations and coordinate the implementation of its strategies.

Atiku said he would also be responsible for coordinating the different arms of the campaign while maintaining discipline, unity and accountability throughout the national structure.

The campaign’s six operational directorates will each be headed by a Deputy Director-General.

The statement explained, “Working across these directorates are 30 Directors, each assigned clearly defined responsibilities. The structure has been deliberately kept lean to prevent duplication, reduce bureaucracy and ensure that every office has a specific function and every appointee is accountable for results.

“The Media and Communications Directorate will be headed by veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu as Deputy Director-General. He will coordinate the campaign’s media and communications operations across traditional, broadcast and digital platforms.

“Also playing a key role in the campaign structure is Dino Melaye, whose political experience and public engagement will form part of the wider effort to strengthen the campaign’s national outreach, mobilisation and public interface.”

The campaign’s policy team will be led by economist and banker Mohammed Hayatudeen, with Professor Mohammed Sagagi and Aare Aremijoye supporting the team.

Professor Kingsley Moghalu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, will also contribute to the campaign’s policy development efforts.

The statement further announced the leadership of the Campaign Advisory Council.

It said, “The Campaign Advisory Council will be chaired by John Oyegun, former Governor of Edo State and pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, with former Senator Ben Obi and Lawal Batagarawa serving as Deputy Chairmen and Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, as Secretary.

“The philosophy underlying the campaign structure is straightforward: fewer offices, clearer responsibilities and greater accountability.

“There are six operational directorates headed by Deputy Directors-General and 30 Directors responsible for defined areas of campaign activity. The Director-General will coordinate their execution, while the Chairman and Deputy Chairman provide political leadership and strategic coordination.

“There will be no room for ornamental appointments.Every directorate has a responsibility. Every director has an assignment. And every level of the campaign structure will be expected to account for results.”

Atiku said the campaign would combine political mobilisation with attention to issues he identified as major concerns for Nigerians.

These include the rising cost of living, unemployment, insecurity, declining purchasing power and governance.

He said the campaign would adopt a people-oriented approach, with its effectiveness measured by organisational capacity, policy clarity and its commitment to addressing citizens’ concerns.

The Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable for the 2027 general elections places the commencement of presidential campaigns on August 19.

While political parties are yet to formally flag off their campaigns, several presidential candidates and their support structures have continued to engage stakeholders and supporters across the country ahead of the official campaign season.

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