Atiku Unveils Star-Studded Campaign Council, Confirms Key Appointments for Presidential Bid!

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has officially constituted his Presidential Campaign Council in preparation for the 2027 general elections. The announcement was made in a statement issued on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, who serves as the Director of Strategic Communications for the council and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication. The meticulously designed campaign structure aims to directly address the severe economic realities confronting Nigerians, including escalating food prices, rising transport costs, declining incomes, unemployment, insecurity, and diminishing purchasing power. With the council now unveiled, the focus unequivocally shifts from its composition to the active execution and nationwide mobilization of its strategies.

Key leadership roles within the council have been filled by prominent figures. Kashim Ibrahim-Imam will chair the council, with former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai serving as the deputy chairman. Former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi has been named as the Vice-Presidential Candidate. Senator David Mark is the National Chairman, and Senator Austin Akobundu (also referred to as Senator Augustine Okwudiri Akobundu) has been appointed as the Director-General and Campaign Manager, an appointment that Atiku Abubakar himself confirmed.

Senator Austin Akobundu’s appointment as Director-General is central to the campaign’s operational success, bringing a wealth of experience from diverse fields. A retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army, he previously served as the Minister of State for Defence under President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. Akobundu, a graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy, retired from the military in 2000 after serving in numerous command and staff appointments, which provided him with exposure to strategic planning, coordination, and disciplined execution. His career also spans business, politics, and public administration, including his tenure as Chairman of the Board of Management of University College Hospital, Ibadan. Within the ADC, he has held significant positions such as National Vice Chairman, South-East Zonal Chairman, and National Organising Secretary, making him well-versed in harmonizing campaign structures and strengthening field operations. Currently representing Abia Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, his legislative efforts have focused on critical areas like education, infrastructure, healthcare, youth empowerment, and human-capital development, through initiatives such as scholarships, vocational and digital-skills programs, medical outreaches, and interventions on vital infrastructure projects like the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Federal Road. Having formally joined the ADC in March 2026, his mandate as Director-General is clear: to coordinate the political, organizational, and operational machinery of the campaign, align its structures across the federation, and ensure every arm of the Presidential Campaign Council operates with discipline, coherence, and purpose.

The comprehensive structure of the council includes six Deputy Directors-General who will oversee various operational directorates, alongside directors responsible for specific portfolios. The Campaign Advisory Board is chaired by John Oyegun, with Lawal Batagarawa as Deputy Chairman and Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, as Secretary. The Policy Team is led by Chairman Mohammed Hayatudeen and Deputy Chairman Prof. Mohammed Sagagi. Senior Campaign Advisers include Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Emeka Ihedioha, Adamu Maina Waziri, Senator Ehigie Uzamere, Senator Felix Ogunwale, and Senator Patricia Akwashiki. The Campaign Management Committee has Austin Akobundu as DG/Campaign Manager, CID Maduabum for Research and Documentation, and Shaibu Enejo Aruwa, SAN, for Legal Services. Deputy Directors-General heading specific directorates include Yusuf Suleiman for Administration, Chief Ralph Nwosu for Operations, Dele Momodu for Media and Communications, Senator Dino Melaye for Contact and Mobilisation, Salihu Tanko Yakasai for Diversity and Support Groups, and Lauretta Onochie for Technical and Systems. The Media and Communications Directorate further includes Phrank Shaibu for Strategic Communication, Kola Ologbondiyan for Media and Publicity, Ladan Salihu for Branding, Moji Rhodes-Vivour for Digital and Online Media, David Iyofor for Content Development, and a team of Spokespersons including Kenneth Okonkwo and Keturah King. Atiku Abubakar has emphasized that the council’s ultimate success will be measured by its ability to clearly and effectively address the pressing issues affecting Nigerians, particularly the cost of living, unemployment, insecurity, and declining purchasing power.