WorldStage– Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, has rejected his inclusion in the newly announced 2027 presidential campaign council of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
In a strongly worded statement released on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Moghalu distanced himself from the campaign, stating that he was neither consulted nor gave his consent before his name was made public.
The controversy arose hours after Atiku’s campaign team unveiled its comprehensive organizational structure for the 2027 general elections under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform.
The official announcement, shared by Phrank Shaibu—the Director of Strategic Communications for the campaign—named Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as Chairman of the National Campaign Council, with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai serving as Deputy Chairman.
The campaign’s Policy Team, chaired by renowned economist and banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen alongside Deputy Chairman Professor Mohammed Sagagi, listed Moghalu as a core member tasked with developing strategies to tackle Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis, unemployment, and economic decline.
Expressing profound surprise at the announcement, Moghalu firmly disavowed the appointment. “For the record: I was not consulted and did not give my consent to my name being published as a member of the ADC candidate’s policy team,” the political economist stated.
Moghalu, who was the presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in 2019 and previously a member of the ADC, further clarified that he has stepped away from active political contests.
He emphasized that his refusal was deeply rooted in his decision to adopt a non-partisan stance to better serve the country.
“I remain committed to my country, Nigeria, and its progress, but such commitment does not have to entail any partisan alignment. I have adopted the path of statesmanship, not partisanship,” Moghalu added, sealing his withdrawal from the political alignment.
The public rejection highlights a critical coordination lapse within the opposition’s campaign planning as political parties form coalitions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Neither Atiku Abubakar’s media office nor the ADC leadership has issued an official reaction to Moghalu’s public rebuttal.
The policy team is expected to proceed with its remaining members as scheduled.
