Momodu explained El-Rufai’s role in the Atiku 2027 campaign team

Dele Momodu has explained the decision of African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar to appoint former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as Deputy Chairman of the 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.

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.

Atiku had formed a campaign council on Thursday, appointing Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as Chairman and El-Rufai as his deputy.

According to Momodu, El-Rufai’s appointment was partly intended to recognize what he described as the former governor’s sacrifices and political experience.

“This is a way to honor his sacrifice because his hard work, I think, was political,” Momodu said.

He also pointed to El-Rufai’s decision to return to Nigeria despite the possibility of arrest, and described the move as proof of his commitment to the country.

“He was detained not because he committed any crime. He could have walked away from this country. He chose to return to the country. He knew he would be arrested, and he was arrested,” Momodu said.

El-Rufai is facing legal proceedings and denies any wrongdoing. Commenting on the case of the former governor, Momodu also criticized the bail conditions imposed on him.

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“The bail conditions given to her are so poor that even her enemies will wonder why she had to go through such a painful experience at the hands of the government that she helped midwife,” he said.

Momodu further highlighted El-Rufai’s political influence, particularly his role in political developments surrounding the 2023 presidential election.

“If it wasn’t for him, I’m sure President Bola Tinubu would not be in office today,” Momodu said.

He described El-Rufai as an important political figure in northern Nigeria, particularly the North West region, while explaining that his involvement in the campaign structure reflects the political experience and connections he brings to the council.

The campaign board also features former APC National Chairman John Oyegun, Momodu, Dino Melaye and other political figures and stakeholders of the party.

Atiku’s campaign structure is part of preparations for the 2027 presidential election, where the Independent National Electoral Commission has published the final list of presidential candidates.