RismadarVoice Reporters
September 24, 2026
Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, has rejected his inclusion in the policy team of African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, saying he was neither consulted nor given his consent.
Atiku’s campaign had earlier on Thursday announced Moghalu as a member of its policy team headed by Mohammed Hayatudeen ahead of the 2027 general election.
Reacting later, Moghalu said he was surprised to find his name on the list and clarified that he had not accepted any role in the campaign.
“I was not consulted and did not give my consent to my name being published as a member of the ADC candidate’s policy team,” he said.
Moghalu maintained that he was not a member of Atiku’s policy team, formally or informally, and had not agreed to serve the campaign in an advisory capacity.
The former CBN deputy governor said he had withdrawn from partisan politics in Nigeria since 2022 and remained unaffiliated with any political party.
“I am not a member or sympathiser of any political party in Nigeria,” he said.
Moghalu said his decision to remain outside partisan politics did not diminish his commitment to Nigeria or its development.
“I remain committed to my country, Nigeria and its progress, but such commitment does not have to entail ANY partisan alignment,” he said.
“I have adopted the path of statesmanship, not partisanship.”
His clarification came shortly after Atiku unveiled his campaign council, which also named former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as deputy chairman, Senator Austin Akobundu as Director-General and Campaign Manager, Dele Momodu to lead Media and Communications, and Dino Melaye to play a leading role in mobilisation and outreach.
The Atiku campaign had described Moghalu’s experience in monetary policy, financial-sector governance, international affairs and economic development as an addition to its policy capacity.
Moghalu’s statement, however, makes clear that he did not consent to the appointment announced by the campaign.
