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 for the 2027 general elections.
El-Rufai was named among members of the campaign council approved by Atiku as the party prepares for the election.
He is expected to serve under Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, who was appointed Chairman of the council.
Senator Augustine Okwudiri Akobundu was named Director-General and Campaign Manager.
El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody
The appointment comes as El-Rufai remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ICPC has previously confirmed that El-Rufai is being held under a court-authorized remand order in connection with an ongoing investigation.
The former governor has been in ICPC custody since February 2026 after initially being invited for questioning by the anti-corruption agency.
The commission has said it is conducting the investigation in accordance with the law.
Role in ADC campaign
According to the campaign structure supplied by the party, El-Rufai will be responsible for high-level political coordination and engagement with stakeholders across Nigeria.
His appointment places him among the senior figures expected to play roles in the ADC’s campaign organization ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The campaign council will be responsible for coordinating the party’s activities as it prepares for the election.
Separate legal proceedings
El-Rufai is also involved in separate legal proceedings arising from allegations concerning the interception of communications involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The allegations are separate from the ICPC investigation into his tenure as Kaduna State governor.
El-Rufai has previously challenged aspects of his detention and legal proceedings through the courts.
The ICPC, meanwhile, has maintained that his detention is authorized by the courts and that it is following due process.
The announcement of the ADC campaign council comes as political parties and alliances begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.
