BREAKING: Atiku Appoints El-Rufai, Hayatu-Deen in ADC Presidential Campaign Council

• Atiku Abubakar has announced the appointment of Nasir el-Rufai and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to key positions in his African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential campaign council for the 2027 election.

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has named former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen as members of his campaign council for the 2027 presidential election.

The appointments were announced on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, Atiku’s media aide, in a statement outlining the structure and responsibilities of the campaign council.

Kashim Ibrahim-Imam will serve as chairman of the council, while el-Rufai was appointed deputy chairman.

Austin Akobundu will serve as director-general and campaign manager, with responsibility for coordinating the campaign’s structures and operations.

Hayatu-Deen, who contested the ADC presidential primary alongside Atiku, will coordinate the campaign policy team.

He will work with Mohammed Sagagi and Kingsley Moghalu to develop policy proposals and responses to issues identified as major concerns for Nigerians.

John Oyegun, former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, will chair the campaign advisory board.

According to the statement, six deputy directors-general will oversee the campaign’s operational directorates, supported by 30 directors with specific responsibilities.

Dele Momodu will head media and communications, while Dino Melaye, former senator representing Kogi West, will lead contact and mobilisation.

Shaibu said the campaign structure was designed around economic and social challenges affecting Nigerians.

“When families are struggling with food prices, transport costs and shrinking incomes, a campaign asking for their trust must show discipline in how it operates,” the statement reads.

“This is a structure built for work. Every directorate has a duty. Every director has an assignment. Every appointee must account for results.

“Our measure of success will be how clearly we address the cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power—and how effectively we organise to make Nigeria affordable again.”

The announcement came shortly after el-Rufai, who played a role in the formation of the ADC, said he would reconsider some of his relationships, citing the silence of some friends during his ongoing legal case.

The former Kaduna governor is facing allegations relating to money laundering and conversion of public property. The allegations and proceedings remain matters for the relevant judicial and investigative authorities.

The campaign council is expected to coordinate the ADC’s political, policy, media, mobilisation and operational activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election.