National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, CON, has approved the appointment of Sani Takori, VinMartin Obiora Ilo and Steve Nwosu to key advisory and communication positions.
Under the new appointments, Takori becomes Political Adviser, Ilo is appointed Chief Technical Adviser (CTA), while Nwosu assumes the role of Spokesman.
According to a statement issued by the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., the appointments take immediate effect and are aimed at strengthening operations, administration and strategic communication around Senator Dickson and the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party described the NDC, which was midwifed by Dickson, as the leading opposition party in Nigeria and one of the fastest-growing political parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
The statement said the three appointees bring extensive experience to their new responsibilities, describing Ilo and Nwosu as professionals with established records of credibility and integrity, while Takori was described as a tested public administrator and experienced politician.
Takori Named Political Adviser
Takori, a lawyer by training, began his career in the old Sokoto State and subsequently served in various capacities, including Registrar, Magistrate, Solicitor-General and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Zamfara State.
An alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, he served as a member of the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007.
The statement said Takori secured his party’s senatorial ticket for his district on four occasions but voluntarily stepped down in favour of candidates who eventually won the elections for the party.
A founding member of the NDC, Takori served as the party’s Protem National Secretary when it was registered as a political party. He was also the Zamfara State governorship candidate of the Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) in the 2019 election.
He previously served as a local government chairman, National Legal Adviser to the Council of Ulamas and Chief Legal Officer of the Nigerian Electoral Commission. He also served as secretary of the Yarima presidential campaign in 2003 and 2007.
Takori, 68, hails from Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Ilo Appointed Chief Technical Adviser
Ilo, the new 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.
He is an alumnus of the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, and holds degrees in Mass Communication from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu; Development Studies from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and International Relations and Strategic Studies from Lagos State University.
Ilo began his broadcasting career with Radio Nigeria, where he rose to become a network newscaster, before joining Africa Independent Television (AIT). He retired from AIT in 2013 as Director, Special Duties and South-East Operations.
He also served as Special Adviser on Media to the Governor of Enugu State and was a member of the Governing Board of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
Before his latest appointment, Ilo was President and Chief Executive Officer of Signature TV. He hails from Enugu State.
Nwosu Named Spokesman
Nwosu, a long-standing associate of Senator Dickson, was appointed Spokesman. He is a journalist, media administrator, consultant and political communication strategist with experience across print, broadcasting and online media.
He is also known for his syndicated satirical column, FRANKTALK.
A graduate of the University of Nigeria and Lagos Business School, Nwosu has more than three decades of experience in journalism and media management.
He worked with The Guardian and THISDAY, where he held positions including Features Editor, Political Editor and Editor of THISDAY Style, before becoming Editor of THISDAY on Saturday.
He later joined The Sun Newspapers at its inception as pioneer Editor of Saturday Sun. He subsequently served as Editor of Daily Sun, Executive Director, Corporate Services, and Deputy Managing Director and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Sun.
Nwosu later established The Nigerian Xpress Newspaper and also had a brief stint with PLUSTV Africa as Controller of News.
He currently serves as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Edibofa Communication and Publishing Limited, owners of People’s FM 105.5 Abuja, People’s FM 93.1 Yenagoa, Universal Television Africa (UTV Africa) and The Nigerian Xpress.
He served for eight years on the Standing Committee of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, initially as a member representing the West Zone and later as Treasurer.
The NDC said the responsibilities of the three appointees would cover Senator Dickson’s activities both as National Leader of the party and as a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The appointments are expected to strengthen the political, technical and communication structures around the NDC National Leader as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
