Atiku's Campaign Promises More Appointments, Says No One Will Be Left Out

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council has announced it will make more appointments as it grows its national campaign team for the 2027 presidential election.

This was shared in a statement on Saturday by Phrank Shaibu, the Director of Strategic Communication, after the release of the first list of officials.

Shaibu noted that this list marks a key step in organizing the campaign but is not the final list of the council.

"The campaign is still evolving. Consultations are ongoing, and more roles will be assigned as the structure grows across the country," the statement said.

He emphasized that Atiku Abubakar is aware of the sacrifices made by his supporters over the years. He assured those who were not included in the initial list that their efforts have not been overlooked.

"To anyone who feels let down that their names are not on the list yet, we ask for your patience and understanding. No one should think that years of commitment and sacrifice have been forgotten.

"Our strength has always been our people and the bonds we have built over many years. We must keep that connection strong," he said.

The campaign plans to involve party members, experienced leaders, professionals, young people, and other Nigerians willing to help with its work.

It also revealed plans to set up zonal and state structures, make more senior appointments, and create layers of organization reaching down to wards and polling units across the country.

This news comes two days after Atiku launched his Presidential Campaign Council. Kashim Ibrahim-Imam is the chairman, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is the deputy chairman, and Senator Austin Akobundu is the Director-General and Campaign Manager.

The council has appointed several notable figures to different roles. Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi will be Atiku’s running mate, Dele Momodu is the Deputy Director-General of the Media and Communications Directorate, and Dino Melaye serves as Deputy Director-General of the Contact and Mobilisation Directorate.

However, Kingsley Moghalu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, rejected his appointment as a member of the council’s Policy Team. He said he was not consulted before his name was made public.

Meanwhile, Shaibu mentioned that the campaign is enhancing its policy framework to tackle issues like the cost of living, food security, agriculture, security, energy, jobs, industrialization, manufacturing, education, healthcare, infrastructure, housing, and governance.

He added that the campaign would also look into technology, social protection, natural resources, the environment, and human development.

"Nigeria’s challenges are connected and cannot be solved separately. The goal is to ensure that every major national issue is met with a practical policy response that can improve the daily lives of Nigerians," the statement said.

The campaign council described this effort as a "people-driven national campaign". It aims to keep expanding by involving Nigerians who want to contribute.

"There is space in this journey for every honest person willing to serve," the statement concluded.