Former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai is expected to handle high-level political coordination and stakeholder engagement as the ADC prepares for the 2027 elections.

The 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 ahead of the 2027 general elections.

El-Rufai was named among the members of the campaign council approved by Atiku as the ADC begins preparations for its presidential campaign and broader electoral activities.

Under the campaign structure, former Borno State gubernatorial candidate Kashim Ibrahim-Imam will serve as Chairman, while Senator Augustine Okwudiri Akobundu has been appointed Director-General and Campaign Manager.

El-Rufai, who is expected to play a prominent role in the campaign structure, will be responsible for high-level political coordination and engagement with key stakeholders across the country.

His appointment comes amid ongoing legal and investigative issues involving the former Kaduna governor.

El-Rufai is currently reported to be in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in connection with an ongoing investigation and related legal proceedings.

The former governor is also facing separate proceedings involving allegations concerning the interception of communications linked to National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The matter was reportedly brought before the court by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The development places El-Rufai's appointment within a politically significant period for the ADC, which is working to build its campaign structure ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku's decision to include the former Kaduna governor in the leadership of the campaign council underscores the role assigned to El-Rufai in the party's planned political coordination and nationwide engagement.

The ADC is expected to intensify consultations with political stakeholders, supporters and groups across the country as the 2027 election approaches.