Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has approved the composition of his National Campaign Council and Presidential Campaign Management Committee ahead of the 2027 elections.
This was announced in a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, who also serves as Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
According to the statement, the council was deliberately kept lean to reflect the current economic realities facing 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 and political patronage," the statement said.
The National Campaign Council will be chaired by Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, an experienced political organiser and administrator.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, will serve as Deputy Chairman. He is expected to lead high-level political coordination and stakeholder engagement across the country.
The day-to-day management of the campaign will be led by Senator Austin Akobundu, who was named Director-General and Campaign Manager. Akobundu, who represents Abia Central, is a retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army and former Minister of State for Defence.
For effective coordination, the campaign is structured into six operational directorates, each headed by a Deputy Director-General, with 30 Directors assigned specific responsibilities.
The Media and Communications Directorate will be headed by veteran journalist and publisher, Dele Momodu, as Deputy Director-General.
Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, is also part of the campaign structure and will support national outreach, mobilisation and public engagement.
The policy architecture of the campaign will be coordinated by economist and banker, Mohammed Hayatudeen, who heads the Policy Team, alongside Professor Mohammed Sagagi as Deputy Chairman and Aare Aremijoye as Secretary.
Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, is also part of the policy team, bringing expertise in monetary policy, economic development and international affairs.
The Campaign Advisory Council will be chaired by former Edo State Governor and pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, with former Senator Ben Obi and Lawal Batagarawa as Deputy Chairmen, and Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, as Secretary.
According to the statement, the philosophy of the campaign is built on fewer offices, clearer responsibilities and greater accountability.
"There will be no room for ornamental appointments. Every directorate has a responsibility, every director has an assignment, and every level will be expected to account for results," it added.
The campaign said it will focus on pressing national issues including cost of living, unemployment, insecurity, energy costs and governance.
"This campaign belongs to the Nigerian people. Its strength will not be measured by the number of titles it distributes, but by the effectiveness of its organisation and the clarity of its policies," the statement said.
