The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has appointed former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as Deputy Chairman of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.
El-Rufai, who remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), was named alongside other members of the campaign council approved by Atiku. The former governor will serve under Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, who was appointed Chairman of the council, while Senator Augustine Okwudiri Akobundu will serve as Director-General and Campaign Manager.
According to the campaign structure, El-Rufai will be responsible for high-level political coordination and engagement with key stakeholders across the country. The appointment comes while the former governor remains in ICPC custody over an ongoing investigation and related legal proceedings. He is also facing separate legal proceedings, including a case filed by the Department of State Services over allegations relating to the interception of communications involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The ICPC has confirmed that El-Rufai remains in its custody under court-authorised remand arrangements. The former governor is facing corruption-related charges, including allegations of abuse of office, money laundering and fraud, to which he has pleaded not guilty. A related case was adjourned in September, while a separate fundamental rights suit filed by El-Rufai against the ICPC, Inspector-General of Police and Attorney-General of the Federation was adjourned to October 27, 2026.
The campaign council also includes several prominent political figures. Former Edo State Governor and former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun will chair the Campaign Advisory Council, with Senator Ben Obi and Lawal Batagarawa serving as deputy chairmen and Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) as secretary. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, who contested the ADC presidential primary alongside Atiku, will coordinate the campaign policy team. The Media and Communications Directorate will be headed by veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu as Deputy Director-General.
Atiku, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant, Phrank Shaibu, said he opted for a lean National Campaign Council and Presidential Campaign Management Committee deliberately to reflect the severe economic realities confronting Nigerians. The former Vice-President noted that there would be no place for “ornamental appointments,” stating that the campaign must reflect the same discipline he seeks to bring into governance if elected president in the January 16, 2027 poll.
“The size and character of the council deliberately reflect the mood of the nation and the severe economic realities confronting millions of Nigerians,” Atiku said. “At a time when families are being compelled to do more with less, the campaign must demonstrate the same discipline, prudence and sensitivity it seeks to bring to government. This will not be a bloated campaign built around titles, privileges and political patronage. It will operate as a people-driven organisation anchored on competence, accountability, national inclusion, clearly defined responsibilities and measurable results”.
El-Rufai joined the ADC after leaving the All Progressives Congress, where he had previously served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. The development adds a legal dimension to the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with the party continuing to organise its campaign structure ahead of the poll.