Atiku names El-Rufai deputy chairman of ADC campaign council

Atiku Abubakar has named former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai as deputy chairman of the African Democratic Congress presidential campaign council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The appointment puts El-Rufai in the campaign structure under Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, who was named chairman. Senator Augustine Okwudiri Akobundu was listed as director-general and campaign manager.

The announcement came on Thursday as El-Rufai remained in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. Daily Trust reported that he is facing multiple charges filed by the Kaduna State Government; the allegations remain before the relevant authorities.

Daily Post reported that the council was approved by Atiku and includes several other figures expected to work on the opposition campaign. The appointments are part of early positioning by the ADC as political parties begin to organise for the next election cycle.

El-Rufai has been a prominent figure in national politics since leaving office as Kaduna governor. His inclusion gives the ADC campaign a high-profile northern politician at a time when opposition parties are trying to build broader electoral alliances.

Sources: Daily Post, Daily Trust