Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially announced his National Campaign Council and Presidential Campaign Management Committee ahead of the 2027 general elections. Running under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Abubakar’s latest political mobilization marks his fourth appearance on a general election ballot. This development sets the stage for a competitive presidential race against incumbent President Bola Tinubu and other opposition figures.
- Key Leadership Appointments in the 2027 Campaign Structure
- Advisory Board and Policy Directorate
- Operational Directorates and Media Management
- Addressing Economic Realities and Policy Alternatives
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Atiku Abubakar running with in the 2027 presidential election?
- Who serves as the Director-General of Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 Campaign Council?
- What political party platform is Atiku Abubakar using for the 2027 race?
- Who chairs the Campaign Advisory Board for the ADC candidate?
- How many times has Atiku Abubakar run for president in Nigeria?
The newly unveiled campaign structure, approved directly by Abubakar, adopts a streamlined framework. This design aims to address pressing national economic challenges. According to a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to the candidate, the organizational design avoids bloated administrative structures. Instead, it prioritizes operational efficiency, competence, and measurable results.
Key Leadership Appointments in the 2027 Campaign Structure
The campaign organization features several prominent political figures across its leadership, advisory boards, and operational directorates. Kashim Ibrahim-Imam has been named Chairman of the National Campaign Council, with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai serving as Deputy Chairman.
Day-to-day operations and political activities will be coordinated by Senator Austin Okwudiri Akobundu. Akobundu is a retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army, a former Minister of State for Defence, and a serving senator representing the Abia Central Senatorial District. He takes on the role of Director-General and Campaign Manager.
Advisory Board and Policy Directorate
To guide the overarching political strategy, a six-member Campaign Advisory Board has been established under the leadership of Chief John Oyegun, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Lawal Batagarawa serves as deputy chairman of the board, while Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, acts as secretary. Additional members include Senator Ireti Kingibe, Hajia Naja’atu Mohammed, and former Senator Ben Obi.
The policy formulation arm of the campaign is headed by renowned economist and banker Mohammed Hayatudeen, supported by Prof. Mohammed Sagagi as deputy chairman. The policy team also incorporates former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, alongside Prof. Mustapha Akinkunmi and Senator Abdul Ningi. Their work focuses heavily on monetary reform, financial governance, and economic recovery strategies.
Operational Directorates and Media Management
The campaign structure is divided into several specialized directorates aimed at optimizing public outreach, grassroots mobilization, and media engagement:
- Media and Communications Directorate: Headed by veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu as Deputy Director-General. He is supported by Phrank Shaibu for strategic communication, Kola Ologbondiyan for media and publicity, Ladan Salihu for branding, and Moji Rhodes-Vivour for digital media.
- Contact and Mobilization Directorate: Overseen by former Kogi State Senator Dino Melaye. This unit focuses on grassroots engagement, stakeholder relations, and youth and women mobilization.
- Spokespersons Team: Includes prominent public figures such as Kenneth Okonkwo, Keturah King, Nana Kazaure, Dr. Uche Diala, and Alhaji Dahiru Maishanu.
- Specialized Units: Salihu Tanko Yakasai manages the Diversity and Support Groups Directorate, while Lauretta Onochie leads the Technical and Systems Directorate.
Addressing Economic Realities and Policy Alternatives
Campaign representatives emphasize that the size and character of the campaign council reflect the severe economic hardships currently facing millions of Nigerians. These challenges include rising food prices, high transportation costs, unemployment, and declining purchasing power.
Abubakar’s platform centers on substantive economic policy reforms, transparency in public finance, and targeted interventions to support domestic production and local refining. As the 2027 election cycle gathers momentum, the ADC campaign council intends to maintain active engagement across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, presenting alternative governance frameworks to the electorate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Atiku Abubakar running with in the 2027 presidential election?
Atiku Abubakar is contesting the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its presidential candidate.
Who serves as the Director-General of Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 Campaign Council?
Senator Austin Okwudiri Akobundu, a retired Colonel and serving senator representing Abia Central, serves as the Director-General and Campaign Manager.
What political party platform is Atiku Abubakar using for the 2027 race?
Abubakar is contesting under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Who chairs the Campaign Advisory Board for the ADC candidate?
Chief John Oyegun, former Edo State Governor and pioneer National Chairman of the APC, chairs the Campaign Advisory Board.
How many times has Atiku Abubakar run for president in Nigeria?
Abubakar has participated in multiple primary and general election cycles since the advent of the Fourth Republic, appearing on the general election ballot in 2007, 2019, 2023, and preparing for his fourth official general election appearance in 2027.
