RismadarVoice Reporters
September 25, 2026
African Democratic Congress chieftain Dele Momodu has said Atiku Abubakar appointed former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as Deputy Chairman of his 2027 Presidential Campaign Council partly to recognise what he described as El-Rufai’s political sacrifices.
Momodu, who serves as Deputy Director-General of the campaign’s Media and Communications Directorate, spoke on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Friday.
“It is a way of honouring his sacrifice because his travails, I can say, are quite political in nature,” Momodu said.
He also pointed to El-Rufai’s decision to return to Nigeria despite the legal proceedings against him, arguing that the former governor could have remained outside the country.
El-Rufai is facing legal proceedings over alleged money laundering and conversion of public property. He has denied wrongdoing.
Momodu criticised the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s detention and bail conditions, while maintaining that the former Kaduna governor remained an influential political figure, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Atiku unveiled his campaign structure on Thursday, naming Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as Chairman of the National Campaign Council and El-Rufai as Deputy Chairman. Senator Austin Akobundu was appointed Director-General and Campaign Manager.
According to the campaign, El-Rufai’s responsibilities will include high-level political coordination and engagement with key stakeholders across the country.
Momodu said El-Rufai’s inclusion also reflected what he considered the former governor’s continuing relevance in national politics as the ADC prepares for the 2027 general election.
The campaign structure comprises six operational directorates and 30 directors, with Momodu overseeing media and communications.
