Learn 10 things about Obi-Kwankwaso campaign DG Abdulkarim, including his education, ICT career, public-sector projects and political experience
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Alhaji Ibrahim Hussain Abdulkarim, an information and communications technology (ICT) strategist and entrepreneur popularly known as Mallam Ziter or Ziter001, has been appointed Director-General of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential campaign for the 2027 general elections.
Abdulkarim’s appointment places him at the centre of the campaign structure for the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The NDC announced its National Campaign Council on Sunday, October 25, as it prepared to coordinate its campaign activities nationwide.
His professional background spans technology, business development, political strategy and community engagement. Here are 10 things to know about him.
1. He was born in Sokoto State
Abdulkarim was born on October 14, 1976, in Sokoto State, to the family of Alhaji Hussain Abdulkarim.
He had his early education in northern Nigeria before building a career that has included technology, business, politics and development initiatives.
2. He studied Geography at Bayero University
He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography from Bayero University, Kano.
His academic background provided a foundation for his subsequent work in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatial data management and technology-based development solutions.Â
3. He is an ICT strategist and entrepreneur
Abdulkarim is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EasyGIS Nigeria Limited, a technology company involved in Geographic Information Systems, data management, information systems and business process improvement.
His work combines technology and business development, with an emphasis on using digital tools to improve organisational processes and address institutional challenges.Â
4. He has experience in political strategy
Beyond his business and technology interests, Abdulkarim has been involved in political strategy and public-sector engagement.
His appointment as campaign Director-General gives him a coordinating role in the NDC’s efforts to organise and direct its presidential campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party says its National Campaign Council will provide strategic leadership, coordinate activities across the country and mobilise support for its political agenda.Â
5. He has worked on technology projects across several sectors
Abdulkarim’s reported project experience covers public administration, security, agriculture, land administration, revenue generation, membership management and project monitoring.
These projects involve applying digital systems to administrative and operational challenges, including the management of information and the monitoring of activities across different institutions.
6. He was involved in a nationwide vehicle-mapping project
One of the projects associated with Abdulkarim is the AMDON System Integration Project, which reportedly mapped more than 1,500 dealerships and over 100,000 vehicles across 28 states.
The project illustrates his experience in coordinating large-scale data collection and management across multiple locations.
Such systems can support record-keeping, monitoring and the organisation of information for industry stakeholders.
7. His portfolio includes public-sector technology projects
Abdulkarim’s reported portfolio includes the Katsina Motor Vehicle Administration Software, the Zamfara Online Scientific Fertiliser and Seeds Distribution System, and a crime reporting and monitoring system for the Nigerian Police.
Other projects include EDU-GIS, the JIBWIS Live Community Membership System and the Adamawa Emirate Council Traditional Council Closed User Group.
The projects span different sectors and demonstrate the range of administrative and operational functions for which he has worked on technology-based solutions.
8. He chaired a Nasarawa State government advisory committee
Between 2019 and 2021, Abdulkarim served as chairman of the Advisory Committee on Efficient Land Administration, Urban Planning and Development, and Improving Revenue Generation and Collection in the Nasarawa State Ministry of Land and Urban Development.
The position involved policy and administrative issues relating to land management, urban planning, development and public revenue collection.
His experience in the role forms part of his reported engagement with public-sector administration and development planning.
9. He is involved in youth empowerment and community development
Abdulkarim has supported initiatives focused on employment, entrepreneurship, skills development and business support for young Nigerians.
His reported activities include connecting and supporting young people in Kaduna State and other parts of the country, with an emphasis on enterprise development, leadership and community participation.
He has also been associated with philanthropy and initiatives intended to expand opportunities for young people and local communities.
10. He combines technology, business and development experience
Abdulkarim’s professional profile spans the private sector, public-sector projects, political engagement and community development.
He is also described as an advocate for good governance, youth empowerment and local enterprise.
His appointment as Director-General brings this range of reported experience into the NDC’s campaign structure.
He will be part of the leadership responsible for coordinating campaign activities and supporting nationwide mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NDC has said its campaign council will pursue a people-centred and issue-based campaign.
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How the structure translates that objective into coordinated activities and engagement with voters will become clearer as the campaign develops.Â
