A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, has shed light on the appointment of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as deputy chairman of Atiku Abubakar's Presidential Campaign Council. According to Momodu, El-Rufai's inclusion in the campaign structure is a recognition of his contributions and sacrifices to Nigeria's political landscape. This appointment was made ahead of the 2027 general elections. Momodu, who serves as the Deputy Director-General of the campaign's Media and Communications Directorate, shared his insights on Channels Television's The Morning Brief.
Momodu emphasized that El-Rufai's current legal challenges are politically motivated. He argued that the decision to honour El-Rufai is a way of acknowledging his commitment to Nigeria, despite facing arrest and detention. El-Rufai's travails, Momodu noted, are largely political in nature. His inclusion in the campaign team is seen as a gesture of solidarity and appreciation for his dedication to the country. Momodu also highlighted El-Rufai's courage in returning to Nigeria despite knowing he could face arrest.
The appointment of El-Rufai as deputy chairman was announced by Atiku Abubakar, who unveiled the ADC Presidential Campaign Council. Kashim Ibrahim-Imam was appointed as chairman, with El-Rufai named as his deputy. This move is part of Atiku's preparations for the 2027 presidential election. The campaign council features several prominent political figures, including former APC national chairman John Oyegun, Dele Momodu, and Dino Melaye.
Momodu criticized the bail conditions attached to El-Rufai's case, describing them as excessive. He questioned why the former governor would be subjected to such treatment, especially given his contributions to the country. The bail conditions have been seen as stringent, sparking concerns about El-Rufai's ability to freely participate in the campaign.
El-Rufai's influence in Nigerian politics was also highlighted by Momodu. According to him, the former governor played a significant role in the emergence of President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election. Momodu claimed that without El-Rufai's support, President Tinubu may not have been elected. This assertion underscores El-Rufai's reputation as a key player in Nigerian politics.
The ADC Presidential Campaign Council has been established with a broad range of stakeholders. Atiku Abubakar's team includes party leaders and other influential figures. The council's composition reflects Atiku's efforts to build a strong and inclusive campaign team. El-Rufai's appointment is seen as a strategic move to leverage his experience and influence.
The 2027 general elections are expected to be a significant event in Nigeria's political calendar. Atiku Abubakar's campaign team is working to position him for a successful presidential bid. With El-Rufai on board, the campaign is likely to gain momentum, especially in key regions where El-Rufai's influence is significant. The coming months will be crucial in determining the outcome of the elections.
Key points
- El-Rufai's appointment as deputy chairman of Atiku's campaign team is a recognition of his contributions and sacrifices to Nigeria's political landscape.
- Momodu criticised the bail conditions attached to El-Rufai's case, describing them as excessive and questioning why the former governor would be subjected to such treatment.
- El-Rufai played a significant role in the emergence of President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election, according to Momodu.
