Media aide to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Phrank Shaibu, has defended the omission of prominent party members, including National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola and National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, from the recently released Presidential Campaign Council list.

Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications of the council, said the list was not final, assuring party members whose names were absent that additional appointments would be made as the campaign structure expands.

“The campaign is still evolving. Consultations are continuing, and further responsibilities will be assigned as the structure expands across the country,” he said.

The omission of Aregbesola, Abdullahi and other prominent party figures had raised questions, particularly as no specific reasons were given for their absence from the initial list.

Shaibu said Atiku remained conscious of the contributions of members and supporters who had worked with him over the years.

“His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, remains deeply conscious of the sacrifices made by those who have stood with him over the years. Loyalty is remembered. Sacrifice is respected. Friendship is valued,” he said.

He urged those disappointed by their omission from the list to remain patient, saying their contributions had not been forgotten.

“To those who may feel disappointed that their names have not appeared yet, we ask for patience and understanding. No one should believe that years of commitment and sacrifice have been forgotten,” Shaibu said.

He added that the campaign would draw on party members, experienced leaders, professionals, young people and other Nigerians willing to contribute to its activities.

The campaign council, he said, would announce its zonal and state structures, additional senior appointments and other organisational layers extending to wards and polling units.

Shaibu also said the campaign was strengthening its policy structure to address issues including the cost of living, food security, agriculture, security, energy, jobs, industrialisation, manufacturing, education, healthcare, infrastructure, housing, public finance, governance, technology and human capital development.

“Nigeria’s challenges are interconnected and cannot be addressed in isolation,” he said, adding that the objective was to match major national problems with “serious, practical and implementable policy” responses.

He described the campaign as a “people-driven national campaign” and said there was room for every Nigerian willing to contribute to its objectives. (The Nation)