—FAAN, NAMA MDs named deputies

President Bola Tinubu has appointed the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo as the Director of Air Mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 re-election campaign.

Under the new arrangement, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, would serve as Deputy Director I, while Farouk Ahmed Umar was appointed Deputy Director II.

A statement by the Special Adviser, Media to Keyamo, Tunde Moshood yesterday, said that the appointments placed the aviation minister at the head of a strategic campaign structure expected to coordinate air transportation and related logistics for the ruling party’s nationwide mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.

The statement hinted that the Directorate of Air Mobilisation is expected to coordinate air travel arrangements for designated campaign officials and personnel, facilitate movement across the country’s six geopolitical zones and support the broader campaign’s operational requirements.

With campaign activities expected to involve extensive travel within tight schedules, the directorate would be responsible for planning and coordinating air movements to support the party’s engagements across different parts of the country.

The statement said: “Keyamo‘s appointment brings his experience in aviation policy and administration to the campaign structure. As the minister responsible for the aviation sector, he has been involved in initiatives aimed at strengthening the industry, improving Nigeria’s international standing and positioning the country as a major aviation hub in Africa.

“His familiarity with the operational demands of the sector is expected to provide a framework for coordinating the directorate’s activities, particularly in planning, scheduling and managing the logistical requirements of a nationwide presidential campaign.”

The appointment of Kuku as Deputy Director I also brings the leadership of the agency responsible for managing Nigeria’s federal airports into the campaign structure, while Umar’s appointment as Deputy Director II is expected to complement the directorate’s coordination responsibilities, the statement said.

The directorate is expected to work with other campaign structures to ensure effective deployment of logistical resources and smooth coordination of travel arrangements for authorised campaign activities.

However, its operations are expected to comply with applicable aviation safety regulations and electoral laws, with a clear distinction maintained between party campaign activities and official government functions.