ADC Appoints Akobundu Campaign DG, Names El-Rufai Deputy Chairman, Tambuwal Senior Adviser
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has appointed Senator Augustine Okwudiri Akobundu as Director-General of his Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The appointment was announced on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
According to Shaibu, Akobundu will coordinate the party’s nationwide campaign structures and oversee its political and operational activities.
The council will be chaired by Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, while former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, will serve as Deputy Chairman.
Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has also been named among seven Senior Campaign Advisers.
Other senior advisers include former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, Adamu Maina Waziri, Senator Ehigie Uzamere, Senator Felix Ogunwale and Senator Patricia Akwashiki.
The campaign council is structured around six major operational directorates, each headed by a Deputy Director-General, with 30 directors assigned specific responsibilities.
Veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu will head the Media and Communications Directorate as Deputy Director-General, while former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye will participate in national outreach, mobilisation and public engagement.
Former Edo State Governor and pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Oyegun, will chair the Campaign Advisory Board, with Lawal Batagarawa as Deputy Chairman and Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, as Secretary.
The Policy Team will be chaired by economist and banker Mohammed Hayatudeen, with Professor Mohammed Sagagi as Deputy Chairman. Former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, is also a member.
Speaking on Akobundu’s appointment, Shaibu said the senator’s military, administrative, political and legislative experience would be valuable in coordinating the campaign’s nationwide operations.
Akobundu, a retired Nigerian Army Colonel and former Minister of State for Defence, currently represents Abia Central Senatorial District in the Senate.
He previously served as Chairman of the Board of Management of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, and held several political party positions including National Vice Chairman, South-East, Zonal Chairman and National Organising Secretary.
Shaibu explained that the campaign structure was designed to ensure discipline, effective coordination, clearly defined responsibilities and measurable outcomes as the ADC prepares for the 2027 presidential election.
