By Lizzy Chirkpi
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has appointed Senator Austin Akobundu as Director-General and Campaign Manager of his 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.
Akobundu, a serving senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District and a retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army, is a former Minister of State for Defence.
His appointment places him at the centre of the ADC campaign machinery, with responsibility for coordinating the various directorates and translating the council’s political strategy into a nationwide campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The campaign council also has former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as Deputy Chairman, while veteran politician Kashim Ibrahim-Imam will serve as Chairman.
The structure further includes veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu, Senator Dino Melaye, former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor Kingsley Moghalu, former Edo State Governor and pioneer APC National Chairman John Oyegun, among other political figures and technocrats.
According to a statement signed by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, the council was deliberately designed as a lean structure in response to the economic realities facing Nigerians.
“The size and character of the Council deliberately reflect the mood of the nation and the severe economic realities confronting millions of Nigerians,” Shaibu said.
“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.”
Akobundu’s emergence as Director-General is the key operational appointment in the campaign structure. He is expected to coordinate six operational directorates and 30 functional directors.
The six directorates are Administration, Operations, Media and Communications, Contact and Mobilisation, Diversity and Support Groups, and Technical and Systems.
Yusuf Sulaiman will head the Administration Directorate, while Chief Ralph Nwosu will oversee Operations.
Momodu, a veteran journalist and publisher, has been appointed Deputy Director-General, Media and Communications. He will work alongside Shaibu on Strategic Communication, Kola Ologbondiyan on Media and Publicity, and Kenneth Okonkwo as spokesperson.
Melaye will serve as Deputy Director-General in charge of Contact and Mobilisation.
Salihu Tanko Yakasai will head Diversity and Support Groups, while Lauretta Onochie will oversee Technical and Systems.
Shaibu said the structure was designed to eliminate unnecessary duplication and political patronage.
“This will not be a bloated campaign built around titles, privileges and political patronage,” he said.
“It will operate as a people-driven organisation anchored on competence, accountability, national inclusion, clearly defined responsibilities and measurable results.”
Ibrahim-Imam, El-Rufai Take Top Political Roles
Ibrahim-Imam, a veteran political organiser and administrator, will chair the National Campaign Council, with El-Rufai serving as Deputy Chairman.
Atiku’s running mate, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, is listed as the Vice-Presidential Candidate, while ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, is also part of the campaign’s top leadership structure.
The campaign has also constituted a policy team chaired by economist and banker Mohammed Hayatudeen.
Professor Mohammed Sagagi will serve as Deputy Chairman, while Aare Aremijoye is Secretary.
The team includes former CBN Deputy Governor Kingsley Moghalu, Professor Mustapha Akinkunmi and Senator Abdul Ningi.
The Campaign Advisory Council will be chaired by Oyegun, with former Senator Ben Obi and Lawal Batagarawa as Deputy Chairmen and Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, as Secretary.
According to the campaign, the policy team and advisory structure are expected to complement the operational campaign machinery through policy development, strategic advice and political coordination.
‘No Room for Ornamental Appointments’
Shaibu said those appointed to the campaign council would be expected to demonstrate measurable performance.
“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,” he said.
He added that the lean structure was intended to demonstrate fiscal discipline at a time when Nigerians were grappling with economic pressures.
The campaign said its agenda would focus on issues including food security, employment, energy, transportation, insecurity, declining purchasing power and broader economic relief.
With the appointment of Akobundu as Director-General, the ADC campaign has established the central operational structure expected to drive Atiku and Amaechi’s presidential bid as the 2027 election approaches.
The campaign said its effectiveness would ultimately be measured not by the number of political titles created but by its ability to organise, mobilise and deliver measurable results.
“This campaign belongs to the Nigerian people,” Shaibu said.
“Its strength will not be measured by the number of titles it distributes, but by the effectiveness of its organisation, the clarity of its policies and the seriousness with which it engages the concerns of Nigerians.”