By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has approved the composition of a lean National Campaign Council and Presidential Campaign Management Committee for his 2027 presidential campaign.
The campaign structure has Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as Chairman while former Kaduna State Governor and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nasir El-Rufai, will serve as Deputy Chairman and General Austin Akobundu (Rted) will server as Director General.
Acer journalist and publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu will serve as Deputy Director, Media and Publicity with Nollywood veteran Kenneth Okonkwo as one of he Spokespersons.
The Policy Directorate will be led by a Presidential Aspirant, Hayatu-Deen Mohammed while former APC National Chairman John Oyegun will head the Adversory Board, and Sen. Dino Melaye, Contact and Mobilization.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council and Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku, the campaign said the structure was deliberately designed to reflect Nigeria’s economic challenges.
According to the statement, the campaign would avoid what it described as a bloated structure built around titles, privileges and political patronage.It said the organisation would instead be driven by competence, accountability, national inclusion, clearly defined responsibilities and measurable results.
“The size and character of the Council deliberately reflect the mood of the nation and the severe economic realities confronting millions of Nigerians,” the statement said.
It added that at a time when Nigerians were being forced to manage limited resources, the campaign organisation must demonstrate similar discipline and prudence.
The day-to-day management of the campaign will be led by Sen. Akobundu, who has been appointed Director-General and Campaign Manager. Akobundu, a serving senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, is a retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army and former Minister of State for Defence.
According to the statement, he will coordinate the various arms of the campaign and oversee the implementation of its strategy.As Director-General, Akobundu will be responsible for ensuring coordination, discipline, cohesion and accountability across the campaign’s national structure.
The campaign has been divided into six major operational directorates, each headed by a Deputy Director-General.
The directorates have 30 directors with specific responsibilities.
The statement added that the arrangement was intended to minimise duplication and bureaucracy while ensuring that every appointee has a clearly defined role and is accountable for results.
Veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu heading the Media and Communications Directorate is expected to coordinate the campaign’s media and communication activities across traditional, broadcast and digital platforms.
Former Kogi State Senator Dino Melaye is also listed as part of the campaign structure, with the statement saying his political experience and public engagement would contribute to the campaign’s national outreach, mobilisation and public interface.
The policy arm of the campaign will be coordinated by economist and banker Mohammed Hayatudeen, who heads the Policy Team.He will work with Professor Mohammed Sagagi, Deputy Chairman of the Policy Team, and Aare Aremijoye, its secretary, to develop policy proposals addressing issues raised by Nigerians.The campaign also listed Professor Kingsley Moghalu, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, as part of its policy resources.
It said Moghalu’s experience in monetary policy, financial-sector governance, international affairs and economic development would strengthen the campaign’s policy capacity.
The Campaign Advisory Council will be chaired by John Oyegun, former Governor of Edo State and pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).Former Senator Ben Obi and Lawal Batagarawa will serve as Deputy Chairmen of the council, while Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, will serve as Secretary.
The campaign said the structure was based on what it described as a simple philosophy of fewer offices, clearer responsibilities and greater accountability.
“There will be no room for ornamental appointments,” the statement said.
It added that every directorate would have defined responsibilities, while every director would be expected to deliver on assigned duties.
The statement said its activities if the council would extend beyond political organisation to issues affecting Nigerians, including food, transportation and energy costs, unemployment, insecurity, declining purchasing power and governance.
“This campaign belongs to the Nigerian people,” the statement said, adding that its strength would be measured by the effectiveness of its organisation, clarity of its policies and seriousness in addressing the concerns of Nigerians.
