Dickson aides Sani Takori, VinMartin Ilo and Steve Nwosu take up new political, technical and media roles ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections
National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has appointed Sani Takori, VinMartin Ilo and Steve Nwosu as Political Adviser, Chief Technical Adviser and Spokesman respectively, with the appointments taking effect immediately.
Also read:Â APC Sets August 22 for Key Legislative Primaries
The appointments were announced in Abuja on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in a statement signed by NDC National Publicity Secretary Osa Director, as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The new aides are expected to strengthen political operations, administration and strategic communication around the former Bayelsa State governor and the NDC.
Takori, a lawyer and former public administrator, brings extensive experience in politics, law and government administration to his new role.
He began his public service career in the old Sokoto State before serving as 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, Takori represented his constituency in the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007.
The statement described the 68-year-old as a committed member of the NDC. He was reportedly a founding member of the party and served as its Protem National Secretary when the party was registered.
Takori also served as a local government chairman and held legal positions with the Council of Ulamas and the Nigerian Electoral Commission.
His political experience includes serving as Secretary of the Yarima Presidential Campaign in 2003 and 2007. He later contested the Zamfara governorship election in 2019 on the platform of the Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance.
Ilo, who has been appointed Chief Technical Adviser, brings almost four decades of experience spanning broadcasting, public service, strategic communication and development consultancy.
He began his broadcasting career with Radio Nigeria, where he rose to become a Network Newscaster before moving to Africa Independent Television.
Ilo retired from AIT in 2013 as Director of Special Duties and South-East Operations. He also served as Special Adviser on Media to the Governor of Enugu State and sat on the Governing Board of the National Broadcasting Commission.
The media executive studied at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and holds qualifications in Mass Communication, Development Studies, and International Relations and Strategic Studies.
Before his latest appointment, Ilo was President and Chief Executive Officer of Signature TV.
Nwosu, meanwhile, has been appointed Spokesman. He is a veteran journalist, media administrator and political communication strategist with more than 30 years of experience across print, broadcasting and digital media.
A graduate of the University of Nigeria and Lagos Business School, Nwosu previously worked with The Guardian and THISDAY, where he held senior editorial positions including Features Editor, Political Editor and editor of THISDAY Style and THISDAY on Saturday.
He later joined The Sun Newspapers at its inception as pioneer Editor of Saturday Sun and went on to serve as Editor of Daily Sun, Executive Director of Corporate Services, Deputy Managing Director and Deputy Editor-in-Chief.
Nwosu subsequently established The Nigerian Xpress Newspaper and had a brief stint with PLUS TV Africa as Controller of News.
He is currently Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Edibofa Communication and Publishing Ltd, the company behind People’s FM 105.5 Abuja, People’s FM 93.1 Yenagoa, Universal Television Africa and The Nigerian Xpress Newspaper.
The journalist also spent eight years on the Standing Committee of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, serving first as a representative of the West Zone and later as Treasurer.
The NDC said the three appointees would handle briefs covering Dickson’s activities both as the party’s National Leader and as a serving senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The appointments come as political parties and opposition figures intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with political communication, grassroots organisation and internal coordination expected to become increasingly important in the months ahead.
Also read:Â APC Sets August 22 for Key Legislative Primaries
For Dickson and the NDC, bringing together experienced figures from politics, administration, broadcasting and journalism represents a strategic effort to sharpen the party’s operations and public messaging ahead of a potentially competitive electoral cycle.
