FULL LIST: Atiku Unveils Campaign Council, Names Ibrahim-Imam, El-Rufai, Others

The African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has constituted his Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections, with former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, among those named in the campaign structure.

The council will be chaired by Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, while El-Rufai will serve as deputy chairman.

Senator Austin Akobundu was appointed Director-General and Campaign Manager.

The composition was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Strategic Communications of the council, Phrank Shaibu, who is also Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication.

The statement said the structure was designed to reflect the economic realities confronting Nigerians, including rising food prices, increasing transport costs and declining incomes.

Six Deputy Directors-General will oversee the council’s operational directorates, alongside directors responsible for specific portfolios.

Campaign Principals

• Presidential Candidate: Atiku Abubakar
• Vice-Presidential Candidate: Rotimi Amaechi
• National Chairman: Senator David Mark
• Council Chairman: Kashim Ibrahim-Imam
• Deputy Chairman: Nasir El-Rufai
• Director-General/Campaign Manager: Senator Austin Akobundu

Campaign Advisory Board

• Chairman: John Oyegun
• Deputy Chairman: Lawal Batagarawa
• Secretary: Eyitayo Jegede, SAN
• Members: Senator Ireti Kingibe; Hajia Naja’atu Mohammed

Policy Team

• Chairman: Mohammed Hayatudeen
• Deputy Chairman: Prof. Mohammed Sagagi
• Secretary: Aare Aremijoye
• Members: Dr Kingsley Moghalu; Prof. Mustapha Akinkunmi; Senator Abdul Ningi

Senior Campaign Advisers

• Aminu Waziri Tambuwal
• Abdulfatah Ahmed
• Emeka Ihedioha
• Adamu Maina Waziri
• Senator Ehigie Uzamere
• Senator Felix Ogunwale
• Senator Patricia Akwashiki

Campaign Management Committee

• DG/Campaign Manager: Austin Akobundu
• Research and Documentation: CID Maduabum
• Legal Services: Shaibu Enejo Aruwa, SAN

Administration Directorate

• Deputy DG: Yusuf Suleiman
• Administration: Dr Ajuji Ahmed
• General Services: Abubakar Kanike
• Special Duties: Dr Nicholas Msheliza
• Finance and Accounts: Abdussamad Dasuki
• Logistics: Prof. Gold Emmanuel
• Protocol: Prof. Onyi Nwagbara
• Medical Services: Dr Amina Mohammed

Operations Directorate

• Deputy DG: Chief Ralph Nwosu
• Organisation and Field Operations: Abdullahi Maibasira
• Strategy and Planning: Mohammed Kumalia
• Security: Retired Gen. Kabiru G. Nadama
• Diaspora and Foreign Operations: Nnena Ukeje
• Intelligence: Not specified

Media and Communications Directorate

• Deputy DG: Dele Momodu
• Strategic Communication: Phrank Shaibu
• Media and Publicity: Kola Ologbondiyan
• Branding: Ladan Salihu
• Digital and Online Media: Moji Rhodes-Vivour
• Content Development: David Iyofor
• Spokespersons: Kenneth Okonkwo, Keturah King, Nana Kazaure, Dr Uche Diala and Alh. Dahiru Maishanu
• Campaign MC: Chief Charles Ojugbana

Contact and Mobilisation Directorate

• Deputy DG: Senator Dino Melaye
• Mandate Protection: Solomon Dalung
• Women Mobilisation: Naomi Labari
• Persons with Disabilities: Dr Chike Okogwu
• Stakeholder Engagement: Oladimeji Fabiyi
• Youth Mobilisation: Balarabe Rufai

Diversity and Support Groups Directorate

• Deputy DG: Salihu Tanko Yakasai
• Support Groups: Aliyu Audu
• NGOs and CSOs: Rhoda Sanda
• Business and Professional Bodies: Hafiz Bayero
• Gender Issues: Zainab Buba Galadima
• Entertainment and Creative Industry: Dr Don Pedro Obaseki

Technical and Systems Directorate

• Deputy DG: Lauretta Onochie
• Election Operations and Management: Chille Igbawua
• Polling Unit Operations: Ezeokolie Blessing Jack
• Voter Intelligence: Dr Alex Adum
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Prof. Ola Olateju
• Situation Room: Chief Teddy Ezeaghauche

According to Shaibu, Atiku said the council’s success would be measured by how clearly it addressed issues affecting Nigerians, particularly the cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power.