The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has appointed former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to serve on his Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku announced the appointment in a statement issued on Thursday, according to the campaign.
El-Rufai has been assigned the responsibility of coordinating high-level political engagements and consultations with key stakeholders across the country.
He will serve under Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, who is the Chairman of the campaign council, while Senator Augustine Okwudiri Akobundu will serve as Director-General and Campaign Manager.
The appointment comes amid legal challenges involving the former Kaduna governor. According to the information provided, El-Rufai is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over charges brought by the Federal Government and Kaduna State Government.
He is also facing a separate case involving the Department of State Services over allegations relating to the interception of communications involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai has said he does not hold a grudge against former associates, friends and political allies who have distanced themselves from him or remained silent during his current difficulties.
The former governor disclosed this in a statement titled, “My Relationships and the Aftermath,” in which he reflected on his relationships with people he had supported or maintained close ties with over the years.
El-Rufai said his decision to support individuals and causes was influenced by his Islamic faith, Arewa background, personal convictions and conscience.
He stressed that his support for others was never based on an expectation that they would reciprocate when he faced challenges.
“Over the years, I have stood by people and for causes I believed in, sometimes in difficult circumstances and at considerable personal cost,” El-Rufai said.
He added that his decision to stand by people was driven by his principles rather than the expectation of receiving similar treatment in return.
