2027: Dele Momodu Reveals Why El-Rufai Joined Atiku’s Campaign Council

Veteran journalist and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Dele Momodu, has explained why former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was included in Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential campaign council.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Momodu said El-Rufai’s appointment as deputy chairman of the campaign council was intended, in his view, to recognise what he described as the former governor’s political sacrifices and recent travails.

Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, announced El-Rufai’s appointment alongside other members of his campaign structure, with Kashim Ibrahim-Imam named chairman and Senator Austin Akobundu appointed director-general and campaign manager.

Defending El-Rufai’s inclusion, Momodu described the former Kaduna governor as a “prisoner of conscience” and argued that his current legal troubles were politically motivated. These claims reflect Momodu’s position and have not been independently established as fact.

Momodu further said El-Rufai could have remained outside Nigeria but chose to return despite allegedly knowing that he could face arrest.

The journalist, who was also appointed to Atiku’s campaign structure, said El-Rufai’s inclusion was therefore a way of honouring what he described as the former governor’s political sacrifice.

“He is in the hands of a government that he helped to midwife,” Momodu said, referring to the political circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s current situation.

He added that El-Rufai “could have stayed away from the country” but instead returned despite knowing he might be arrested.

El-Rufai is currently facing legal proceedings and investigations over allegations relating to his tenure as Kaduna governor. He has denied wrongdoing in connection with the allegations.

The former governor’s appointment places him in a senior position within Atiku’s campaign structure, where the campaign says he will be involved in high-level political coordination and engagement with stakeholders across the country.