By NEWSCOUNT Desk
The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, CON, has approved the appointment of Sani Takori as Political Adviser, VinMartin Obiora Ilo as Chief Technical Adviser and Steve Nwosu as Spokesman.
The appointments, which take immediate effect, are aimed at strengthening operations, administration and strategic communication around Senator Dickson and the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dickson, a former two-term Governor of Bayelsa State, is the National Leader of the NDC, a political platform he midwifed and which the party described as the leading opposition party in Nigeria and the fastest growing political party ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to a statement signed by the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., the appointments reflect the need to reinforce the political, technical and communication structures supporting the National Leader and the party.
The party said Ilo and Nwosu bring to their new responsibilities track records of professionalism, credibility and integrity, while Takori was described as a tested and trusted public administrator with an impressive political résumé.
Takori, a lawyer by training, began his career in the old Sokoto State, where he served in various capacities, including Registrar and Magistrate. He later became Solicitor-General before proceeding to serve as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in his native Zamfara State.
An alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University and the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Takori was elected into the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007.
He subsequently secured his party’s senatorial ticket for his district on four occasions but voluntarily stepped down for candidates who eventually won the elections for the party.
His political career has also included participation in major electoral campaigns. Takori served as Secretary of the Yarima Presidential Campaign in 2003 and again in 2007.
A committed party member and founding member of the NDC, he served as the party’s Protem National Secretary at the time of its registration as a political party.
He was also the Zamfara State governorship candidate of the Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) in the 2019 governorship election.
Beyond elective politics, Takori has served as a Local Government Chairman, National Legal Adviser to the Council of Ulamas and Chief Legal Officer of the Nigerian Electoral Commission.
The 68-year-old lawyer and politician hails from Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Ilo, who has been appointed Chief Technical Adviser, is a media executive, broadcast journalist and development and international relations expert with nearly four decades of experience spanning broadcasting, public service, strategic communications and development consultancy.
An alumnus of the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Ilo holds a degree in Mass Communication from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, an MSc in Development Studies from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Master’s degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies from Lagos State University.
He began his career with Radio Nigeria, where he rose to the position of Network Newscaster before joining Africa Independent Television (AIT).
Ilo spent several years at AIT and retired in 2013 as Director, Special Duties and South East Operations.
His public service experience includes his appointment as Special Adviser on Media to the Governor of Enugu State. He also served as a member of the Governing Board of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
Until his latest appointment, Ilo was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Signature TV.
His extensive experience in broadcasting, media management, development studies, international relations and strategic communication is expected to be brought to bear on his new responsibility as Chief Technical Adviser.
Ilo hails from Enugu State.
Also appointed Spokesman is Steve Nwosu, a long-standing associate of Senator Dickson and an experienced journalist, media administrator, media consultant and political communication strategist.
Nwosu’s professional practice cuts across print journalism, broadcasting and online media. He has also established himself as a columnist and commentator.
He is particularly known for “FRANKTALK”, his popular satirical weekly column, which has become syndicated.
With his experience in journalism, media administration and political communication, Nwosu is expected to play a key role in shaping public communication around Senator Dickson and the NDC.
The three appointments bring together experience in politics, public administration, law, media, strategic communication, development and international relations at a time political activities are beginning to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NDC said the appointments would strengthen its operations, administration and strategic communication while enhancing the capacity of Senator Dickson’s office and the party to respond effectively to emerging political developments.
The appointments also underscore the party’s efforts to deepen its organisational structure as it seeks to expand its political presence and consolidate its position ahead of the 2027 elections.
