President Bola Tinubu Withdraws 2027 APC Campaign Council List, Orders Fresh Review

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly ordered the withdrawal and review of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council list for the 2027 general elections following concerns over the composition of the initial council.

Advertisement

The initial list, which was released on Saturday, August 22, has reportedly generated disquiet among some senior members of the ruling party over the exclusion of key political stakeholders and experienced campaign figures.

According to a report by Naija News, citing TheWill, Tinubu directed the Presidency, the leadership of the National Assembly and the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to review the list and address identified gaps before a new composition is released.

Sources cited in the report said the President was concerned that the initial composition did not adequately reflect the political structure, geographical spread and hierarchy of the APC.

One of the major issues reportedly raised by party stakeholders was the omission of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

The initial arrangement named Senate President Godswill Akpabio as Deputy Director-General for the Southern campaign, alongside House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, while Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Deputy Senate President Jibril Barau were assigned coordinating roles.

The arrangement reportedly sparked concerns over the positioning of National Assembly leaders within the campaign structure, with stakeholders calling for a structure that better reflects their constitutional and political ranking.

Also absent from the initial list was Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), who played a prominent role as a spokesman and Director of Public Affairs during the APC’s 2023 presidential campaign.

Former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, who served as Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2023 election, was also omitted.

Other notable figures reportedly missing from the initial council include National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, former Ogun State Governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, and former Edo State governorship candidate Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

The omission of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo was also said to have raised concerns among party stakeholders, particularly regarding the mobilisation of support for Tinubu in the South-South region.

The APC had initially announced a campaign council headed by former Zamfara State Governor Senator Abdul’aziz Yari as Director-General. Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were named chairman and vice chairman respectively, while APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda was also listed as a vice chairman.

Despite the reported decision to withdraw and review the council’s composition, there is currently no indication that Yari’s appointment as Director-General has been cancelled.

The review is expected to produce a broader campaign structure that accommodates more party stakeholders, experienced politicians and representatives from different regions ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The development comes as the APC intensifies preparations for Tinubu’s re-election campaign and seeks to consolidate its political structure across the country.

Source: Naija News/TheWill.