2027: Atiku names Akobundu DG of ADC Campaign Council

By Tolulope Oke

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has appointed Senator Augustine Okwudiri Akobundu as Director-General of the party’s 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.

Shaibu said Akobundu would be responsible for coordinating the party’s campaign structures nationwide and overseeing the political and operational activities of the campaign.

Akobundu, a retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army, served as Minister of State for Defence under former President Goodluck Jonathan and currently represents Abia Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

The campaign council will be chaired by Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, while former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, will serve as Deputy Chairman.
Other members of the campaign structure include veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu, who will oversee the Media and Communications Directorate as Deputy Director-General, and former Kogi State Senator Dino Melaye, who will handle 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 Council.

The policy team will include economist and banker Mohammed Hayatudeen, as well as former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Kingsley Moghalu.

Shaibu said the structure was designed to provide clear responsibilities and coordination across the different arms of the campaign ahead of the 2027 election.

Akobundu, who has held several party leadership positions including National Organising Secretary and South-East zonal chairman, is expected to bring his military, administrative and political experience to the campaign’s nationwide operations.