El-Rufai was appointed Deputy Chairman of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council headed by the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, while Momodu was named Deputy Director-General of the Media and Communications Directorate.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Friday, Momodu described El-Rufai as a prisoner of conscience and alleged that his detention was politically motivated.
He said the appointment was intended to recognise what he regarded as El-Rufai’s political sacrifice, adding that the former governor had remained an influential figure in Northern Nigeria, particularly the North-West.
Momodu argued that El-Rufai’s political record should be considered alongside the controversies surrounding his eight-year tenure as Kaduna governor, saying the ADC viewed him as one of the prominent political figures in the region.
He also pointed to El-Rufai’s role in the political process that produced the present Federal Government, noting that the former governor had supported President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election.
According to Momodu, El-Rufai could have remained outside Nigeria but returned despite knowing that he could face arrest.
The ADC chieftain said the former governor’s inability to participate physically in campaign activities would not diminish the significance of his appointment.
He also stressed the importance of the North-West to presidential contests, arguing that political parties seeking national power would continue to pay close attention to the region because of its electoral strength.
El-Rufai’s appointment is part of the campaign structure recently unveiled by Atiku. Kashim Ibrahim-Imam was named chairman of the council, while Senator Austin Akobundu was appointed Director-General and Campaign Manager. The structure has six operational directorates and 30 directors.
The Media and Communications Directorate is headed by Momodu as Deputy Director-General, while Dino Melaye was appointed Deputy Director-General of the Contact and Mobilisation Directorate.
El-Rufai’s appointment comes as he continues to face legal proceedings over an alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications. The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 26 to rule on his no-case submission in the case. El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The former governor’s continued detention has also attracted calls from some groups for a review of his case. The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria previously urged authorities to ensure due process and respect for his rights.
Momodu maintained that the ADC’s decision to appoint El-Rufai was significant regardless of whether he could personally attend campaign engagements, as the party sought to utilise his political experience and reach in the North-West.
The appointment places El-Rufai among the senior figures expected to play a role in the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 presidential election despite his current legal circumstances.
Discussion0