Takori was the governorship candidate of the Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) in Zamfara State in 2019
By Moses Okorie
National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Sen. Henry Seriake Dickson, has appointed Sani Takori, VinMartin Ilo and Steve Nwosu to strategic positions as the party gears up for the 2027 general elections.
The appointments, which take immediate effect, were announced in a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, in Abuja.
Under the new arrangement, Takori will serve as Political Adviser, Ilo as Chief Technical Adviser, while Nwosu will take charge as Spokesman.
The NDC said the appointments were designed to strengthen Dickson’s political operations, administration and strategic communication as the party prepares for the next general elections.
The party described the three appointees as seasoned professionals with extensive experience in their respective fields.
Takori, a lawyer and former public administrator from Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, has held several senior positions in the legal and public service sectors.
He began his career in the old Sokoto State and later served as Registrar, Magistrate, Solicitor-General, as well as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Zamfara State.
Takori, an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, represented his constituency in the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007.
He also obtained his party’s senatorial ticket for his district on four occasions but voluntarily withdrew from the contests to support other candidates who eventually emerged victorious.
The statement noted that Takori was the governorship candidate of the Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) in Zamfara State in 2019.
He was also identified as a founding member of the NDC and served as the party’s Protem National Secretary when it was registered.
His previous positions include Local Government Chairman, National Legal Adviser to the Council of Ulamas and Chief Legal Officer of the Nigerian Electoral Commission.
Takori also served as Secretary of the Yarima Presidential Campaign Organisation in 2003 and 2007.
Ilo, the newly appointed Chief Technical Adviser, is a veteran broadcaster, media executive and development and international relations specialist with almost four decades of professional experience.
He is an alumnus of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and holds degrees in Mass Communication, Development Studies, and International Relations and Strategic Studies.
He started his career with Radio Nigeria, where he rose to the position of Network Newscaster before joining Africa Independent Television (AIT).
Ilo retired from AIT in 2013 as Director of Special Duties and South-East Operations. He subsequently served as Special Adviser on Media to the Enugu State Governor and as a member of the Governing Board of the National Broadcasting Commission.
Until his appointment, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Signature TV.
Nwosu, who has worked closely with Dickson for several years, brings more than 30 years of experience in journalism, media management, consultancy and political communication to his new role as Spokesman.
He is the writer of the syndicated satirical column, “FRANKTALK”, and has worked with major Nigerian media organisations, including The Guardian, THISDAY and The Sun.
During his career, Nwosu held several senior editorial positions, including Features Editor and Political Editor at THISDAY, as well as Editor of THISDAY Style and THISDAY on Saturday.
At The Sun Newspapers, he served as pioneer Editor of Saturday Sun before becoming Editor of Daily Sun, Executive Director of Corporate Services, Deputy Managing Director and Deputy Editor-in-Chief.
He later founded The Nigerian Xpress Newspaper and briefly served as Controller of News at PLUS TV Africa.
Nwosu is currently Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Edibofa Communication and Publishing Ltd., publishers and owners of The Nigerian Xpress Newspaper and operators of People’s FM stations in Abuja and Yenagoa, as well as Universal Television Africa.
He also spent eight years on the Standing Committee of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, serving first as West Zone representative and later as Treasurer.
The NDC said the three appointees would handle responsibilities relating to Dickson’s activities as National Leader of the party and as a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.