Atiku picks Kashim-Ibrahim to lead his campaign, El-Rufai as deputy

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has chosen Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as the chairman of his 2027 National Campaign Council. Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, will serve as deputy chairman.

In a statement from his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, who is also the campaign council’s Director of Strategic Communications, Atiku also named Austin Akobundu as Director-General and Campaign Manager. Veteran journalist and publisher, Dele Momodu, will act as Deputy Director-General of the Media and Communications Directorate.

Atiku said these appointments are part of a lean campaign structure. This structure includes six operational directorates and 30 directors, aimed at ensuring clear responsibilities, accountability, and effective coordination.

The former Vice-President noted, "The size and character of the council deliberately reflect the mood of the nation and the severe economic realities confronting millions of Nigerians."

He added, "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."

Atiku emphasized, "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."

Kashim Ibrahim-Imam will lead the National Campaign Council. He is an experienced political organiser and administrator with many years in national politics.

Nasir El-Rufai, the Deputy Chairman, is a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Kaduna State. He brings a wealth of experience in public administration and political organisation. His role will include high-level political coordination and engaging with key stakeholders across Nigeria.

Atiku mentioned that Akobundu, the Director-General and Campaign Manager, will manage the daily operations and coordination of the campaign.

He stated that Akobundu would be in charge of implementing the campaign’s strategies, coordinating its various branches, and maintaining discipline, unity, and accountability throughout the national structure.

The campaign has been split into six main operational directorates. Each directorate is led by a Deputy Director-General to ensure effective coordination.

According to the statement, "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."

Dele Momodu will head the Media and Communications Directorate as Deputy Director-General. He will oversee the campaign’s media and communications across traditional, broadcast, and digital platforms.

Dino Melaye will also play a significant role in the campaign structure. His political experience and public engagement will help strengthen the campaign’s outreach, mobilization, and public interface.

Atiku said economist and banker Mohammed Hayatudeen will lead the campaign’s policy team, with support from Prof Mohammed Sagagi and Aare Aremijoye.

Prof Kingsley Moghalu, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, will also lend his expertise to the campaign’s policy development.

The statement continued, "The Campaign Advisory Council will be chaired by John Oyegun, former governor of Edo State and pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress. Senator Ben Obi and Lawal Batagarawa will serve as Deputy Chairmen, with Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) as Secretary."

The philosophy behind the campaign structure is simple: fewer offices, clearer responsibilities, and greater accountability.

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

Atiku stressed that there would be no room for ornamental appointments. Each directorate has a responsibility. Every director has an assignment. Every part of the campaign structure must be accountable for results.

Atiku stated that the campaign will focus not just on political mobilization but also on key issues affecting Nigerians. These include the rising cost of living, unemployment, insecurity, reduced purchasing power, and poor governance.

He concluded that the campaign will be people-oriented. Its effectiveness will be measured by its organization, policy clarity, and commitment to addressing the concerns of Nigerians.