Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has assembled a campaign council for his 2027 presidential bid, featuring seasoned political figures and experts. The team, announced on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, senior special assistant on public communication to Atiku, includes key appointments such as Austin Akobundu as director-general and campaign manager, Nasir El-Rufai as deputy chairman, and Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as council chairman. The move signals a strategic effort to reposition Atiku as a viable contender in the 2027 elections, following multiple unsuccessful presidential campaigns since 2007.
Atiku, who served as vice-president under Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, has contested Nigeria’s presidency in 2007, 2019, and 2023. His 2023 campaign under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) saw him finish second to Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), securing 6,984,520 votes. The new campaign structure emphasizes accountability, with Atiku stating that every appointee will be required to deliver measurable results on issues like the cost of living, unemployment, and insecurity.
The council’s leadership includes Dele Momodu, a former presidential candidate, as head of media and communications, and Dino Melaye, a former senator and governorship candidate, leading the contact and mobilisation team. Six deputy director-generals and 30 directors will oversee operational directorates, with Mohammed Hayatudeen chairing the policy team. This team includes academics like Kingsley Moghalu, former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and Professor Mohammed Sagagi, tasked with developing policy proposals to address national challenges.
John Oyegun, former national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), will chair the Campaign Advisory Board. Atiku emphasized that the council’s mandate is to translate strategy into coordinated action, with a focus on making Nigeria “affordable again.” He reiterated his commitment to tackling the cost of living crisis, which has worsened due to inflation, fuel price hikes, and currency depreciation.
The campaign’s structure reflects Atiku’s experience in navigating Nigeria’s political landscape. His 2007 bid on the Action Congress (AC) platform placed him third behind Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari. In 2019, he ran as the PDP’s candidate but lost to Buhari, who secured 15,191,847 votes compared to Atiku’s 11,262,978. His 2023 campaign under the PDP saw him finish behind Tinubu, who garnered 8,794,726 votes.
Atiku’s political journey includes failed bids for the presidential ticket in 1993, 2011, and 2015. In 1993, he withdrew from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) primary in Jos, urging supporters to back Moshood Abiola. He lost the 2011 PDP primary to Goodluck Jonathan and the 2014 APC primary to Buhari. Despite these setbacks, Atiku has positioned himself as a consistent critic of economic mismanagement and security failures, themes central to his 2027 campaign.
The appointment of El-Rufai, a former Kaduna State governor, and Akobundu, a retired colonel and senator, underscores the council’s emphasis on administrative and military expertise. El-Rufai’s leadership in Kaduna during the 2010s, marked by efforts to curb banditry and improve governance, aligns with Atiku’s focus on security. Akobundu’s military background and political experience in Abia State add credibility to the campaign’s operational framework.
Public-interest implications of the campaign center on Nigeria’s economic crisis, with inflation reaching 27.5% in 2024 and unemployment at 33.3% according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Atiku’s team has pledged to address these issues through policy reforms, including energy sector revitalization and job creation programs. The campaign’s emphasis on “affordability” resonates with a population grappling with rising food and fuel prices.
The council’s composition also highlights Atiku’s effort to broaden his appeal. By including figures from diverse political backgrounds—such as Oyegun from the APC and Moghalu from the Central Bank—the campaign seeks to transcend party lines. This strategy aims to attract voters disillusioned with the current administration’s handling of security and economic issues.
Atiku’s 2027 campaign comes amid heightened political competition, with the APC and PDP vying for dominance. The APC, currently in power, faces criticism over its handling of insecurity and economic decline, while the PDP struggles to unify its factions. Atiku’s team has positioned him as a unifying figure, though his past as a PDP stalwart may complicate his appeal to APC supporters.
The campaign’s success hinges on its ability to mobilize grassroots support and counter the ruling party’s advantages. Atiku’s team has pledged to leverage social media and traditional outreach to engage young voters, a demographic increasingly skeptical of political promises. The focus on policy and accountability aims to differentiate the campaign from previous efforts, which critics argue lacked concrete plans.
Atiku’s decision to run in 2027 follows his assertion that this will be his final presidential bid. His campaign team has emphasized that the 2027 contest is a “last chance” to address Nigeria’s systemic challenges. The council’s structure, with its emphasis on performance metrics and public accountability, reflects a shift toward results-oriented governance, a theme that could resonate with a weary electorate.
The announcement of the campaign council has drawn mixed reactions. While some see it as a sign of renewed political energy, others question whether Atiku’s past electoral failures disqualify him as a viable candidate. Nonetheless, the inclusion of high-profile figures and a clear policy agenda positions the campaign as a serious contender in the 2027 race, with the potential to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
Atiku’s campaign team has also addressed allegations of corruption, a recurring issue in Nigerian politics. By appointing figures with reputations for integrity, such as Moghalu and El-Rufai, the campaign aims to counter perceptions of graft. However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on the team’s ability to deliver on promises and maintain transparency.
The 2027 election will test Nigeria’s democratic resilience, with the campaign council’s strategies serving as a litmus test for political reform. Atiku’s team has framed the contest as a pivotal moment for the nation, emphasizing the need for leadership that prioritizes public welfare over partisan interests. As the campaign gains momentum, its impact on Nigeria’s political trajectory will be closely watched.
The campaign’s focus on economic recovery and security aligns with broader public concerns, particularly among youth and low-income groups. Atiku’s team has pledged to address these issues through targeted policies, including energy sector reforms and job creation initiatives. The success of these efforts will determine whether the 2027 campaign can translate its ambitions into tangible outcomes for Nigerians.
The appointment of the campaign council marks a significant step in Atiku’s political journey, reflecting his determination to leave a lasting legacy. With a team composed of experienced leaders and policy experts, the 2027 bid represents a calculated effort to address Nigeria’s challenges and restore public confidence in the political process.