By Dennis Okechukwu
National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has approved the appointment of Sani Takori as Political Adviser, VinMartin Obiora Ilo as Chief Technical Adviser (CTA), and Steve Nwosu as Spokesperson.
The appointments take immediate effect and are aimed at strengthening the operations, administration and strategic communication of Senator Dickson’s office and the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The appointments were announced in a statement issued by the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq.
According to the statement, the three appointees bring extensive experience in politics, public administration, broadcasting, journalism, strategic communication and development consultancy.
Takori, a lawyer and experienced politician, began his public service career in the old Sokoto State, where he served in various capacities, including Registrar and Magistrate.
He later became Solicitor-General and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Zamfara State.
An alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University and the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Takori served 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 stepped down for candidates who eventually won the elections.
Takori was the Zamfara State governorship candidate of the Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) in the 2019 election and is a founding member of the NDC.
He served as the party’s Protem National Secretary when it was registered as a political party.
The 68-year-old politician, who hails from Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, is also a former local government chairman and former National Legal Adviser to the Council of Ulamas.
He served as Chief Legal Officer of the Nigerian Electoral Commission and as secretary of the Yarima presidential campaign in 2003 and 2007.
Ilo brings decades of media experience
The new Chief Technical Adviser, VinMartin Obiora Ilo, is a media executive, broadcast journalist and development and international relations expert with nearly four decades of professional experience.
Ilo is an alumnus of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and holds a degree in Mass Communication from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu.
He also has 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 become a Network Newscaster before joining Africa Independent Television (AIT).
He retired from AIT in 2013 as Director of Special Duties and South-East Operations.
Ilo 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.
Until his latest appointment, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Signature TV. He is from Enugu State.
Nwosu takes charge of communication
Steve Nwosu, who has been appointed Spokesperson, is a journalist, media administrator, consultant and political communication strategist with more than three decades of experience.
He is the author of the widely syndicated satirical column, FRANKTALK, and has worked across print, broadcasting and online media.
A graduate of the University of Nigeria and Lagos Business School, Nwosu worked with The Guardian and THISDAY, where he held several editorial positions, including Features Editor, Political Editor, Editor of THISDAYStyle and Editor of THISDAY on Saturday.
He later joined The SUN Newspapers at its inception as pioneer Editor of Saturday Sun and subsequently served as Editor of Daily Sun, Executive Director, Corporate Services, and Deputy Managing Director and Deputy Editor-in-Chief.
Nwosu later established The Nigerian Xpress Newspaper. He also worked briefly with PLUSTVAfrica as Controller of News and served on the editorial boards of THISDAY and The SUN.
He is currently 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 Newspaper.
Nwosu also served for eight years on the Standing Committee of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, first 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 as National Leader of the party and as a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The party said the appointments were part of efforts to enhance its political operations, technical capacity and communication strategy as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.