The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has unveiled his Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections, naming Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as Chairman and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as Deputy Chairman.

Senator Austin Akobundu was appointed Director-General and Campaign Manager, while veteran journalist and publisher, Dele Momodu, will serve as Deputy Director-General of the Media and Communications Directorate. Senator Dino Melaye was also named Deputy Director-General of the Contact and Mobilisation Directorate.

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

According to the statement, the campaign structure was designed to reflect the economic challenges confronting Nigerians, including rising food prices, increasing transport costs and shrinking incomes.

The council will operate through six major directorates headed by Deputy Directors-General, with 30 directors assigned specific responsibilities. The campaign said the structure was designed to ensure clear responsibilities, accountability and coordination.

The campaign principals include Atiku as presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi as vice-presidential candidate and Senator David Mark as National Chairman, while Ibrahim-Imam and El-Rufai will serve as chairman and deputy chairman of the council respectively.

The Campaign Advisory Board will be chaired by John Oyegun, with Lawal Batagarawa as Deputy Chairman and Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, as Secretary. Members include Senator Ireti Kingibe and Hajia Naja’atu Mohammed.

The Policy Team will be headed by Mohammed Hayatudeen as Chairman, with Professor Mohammed Sagagi as Deputy Chairman. Its members include Dr Kingsley Moghalu, Professor Mustapha Akinkunmi and Senator Abdul Ningi, while Aare Aremijoye will serve as Secretary.

Senior campaign advisers include former governors Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Abdulfatah Ahmed and Emeka Ihedioha, alongside Adamu Maina Waziri, Senator Ehigie Uzamere, Senator Felix Ogunwale and Senator Patricia Akwashiki.

The Campaign Management Committee will be headed by Akobundu, with CID Maduabum as Head of Research and Documentation and Shaibu Enejo Aruwa, SAN, as Head of Legal Services.

The Administration Directorate will be headed by Yusuf Suleiman as Deputy Director-General. Its units include Administration, headed by Dr Ajuji Ahmed; General Services, Abubakar Kanike; Special Duties, Dr Nicholas Msheliza; Finance and Accounts, Abdussamad Dasuki; Logistics, Professor Gold Emmanuel; Protocol, Professor Onyi Nwagbara; and Medical Services, Dr Amina Mohammed.

The Operations Directorate will be headed by Chief Ralph Nwosu. Its units include Organisation and Field Operations, headed by Abdullahi Maibasira; Strategy and Planning, Mohammed Kumalia; Security, retired General Kabiru G. Nadama; and Diaspora and Foreign Operations, Nnena Ukeje. The intelligence position was left vacant on the structure.

The Media and Communications Directorate will be headed by Momodu. Its units include Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu; Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan; Branding, Ladan Salihu; Digital and Online Media, Moji Rhodes-Vivour; and Content Development, David Iyofor.

The campaign’s spokespersons are Kenneth Okonkwo, Keturah King, Nana Kazaure, Dr Uche Diala and Alhaji Dahiru Maishanu, while Chief Charles Ojugbana will serve as Campaign MC.

The Contact and Mobilisation Directorate will be headed by Melaye. Its units include Mandate Protection, Solomon Dalung; Women Mobilisation, Naomi Labari; Persons with Disabilities, Dr Chike Okogwu; Stakeholder Engagement, Oladimeji Fabiyi; and Youth Mobilisation, Balarabe Rufai.

The Diversity and Support Groups Directorate will be headed by Salihu Tanko Yakasai. Its units include Support Groups, Aliyu Audu; NGOs and Civil Society Organisations, Rhoda Sanda; Business and Professional Bodies, Hafiz Bayero; Gender Issues, Zainab Buba Galadima; and Entertainment and Creative Industry, Dr Don Pedro Obaseki.

The Technical and Systems Directorate will be headed by Lauretta Onochie. Its units include Election Operations and Management, Chille Igbawua; Polling Unit Operations, Ezeokolie Blessing Jack; Voter Intelligence, Dr Alex Adum; Monitoring and Evaluation, Professor Ola Olateju; and Situation Room, Chief Teddy Ezeaghauche.

Shaibu quoted Atiku as saying the campaign council’s success would be measured by its ability to address the major economic and social challenges confronting Nigerians.

“The success of this campaign will ultimately be measured by how clearly and convincingly we address the cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and the declining purchasing power of Nigerians,” Atiku said.

The campaign’s unveiling marks the establishment of Atiku’s national campaign machinery as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections.