Atiku names 2027 campaign council leadership: El-Rufai as deputy chair
Atiku Abubakar, ADC presidential candidate, has constituted his 2027 campaign council, appointing former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai as deputy chairman and ex-Borno aspirant Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as chairman. Retired colonel and Abia Central senator Austin Akobundu serves as director-general and campaign manager. The council includes Dele Momodu heading media and communications, Dino Melaye leading contact and mobilisation, Mohammed Hayatudeen chairing the policy team (with professors Sagagi and Moghalu), and John Oyegun leading the Campaign Advisory Board. Six deputy director-generals and 30 other directors complete the structure.
Atiku stated the campaign will focus on addressing Nigeria's cost of living crisis, unemployment, insecurity, and declining purchasing power, saying "Our measure of success will be how clearly we address these issues—and how effectively we organise to make Nigeria affordable again." This comes as Atiku confirms 2027 will be his final presidential bid, having previously contested in 2007, 2011 (attempted), 2015 (attempted), 2019, and 2023, finishing second to Tinubu last time with 6.98 million votes.
The detailed council composition reveals Atiku's strategy of bringing together experienced politicians across party lines—including former APC chairman Oyegun and ex-Kaduna governor El-Rufai—to build a broad-based coalition. With the campaign officially underway, Nigerians should note these key appointments as indicators of Atiku's policy priorities and alliance-building approach ahead of the 2027 elections.