2027: APC Denies Withdrawing Tinubu Campaign Council List Amid Controversy
The All Progressives Congress has rejected reports that it withdrew the list of members of its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, describing the claims as unfounded rumours. Felix Morka, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, made the clarification on Tuesday morning in an interview with TheCable, dismissing speculation that President Bola Tinubu had ordered a review of the 223-member list. Morka stated that rumours are not news and that if there is any reason to update the list, it would be announced properly. His comments came amid reports that the presidency had been compelled to review the composition of the campaign council due to what sources described as “anomalies capable of embarrassing the campaign.”
The APC unveiled its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council on Saturday, August 22, 2026, with President Bola Tinubu named as chairman and Vice-President Kashim Shettima as vice-chairman. Other key appointments included Senator Abdulaziz Yari, former Zamfara Governor, as Director-General and Governor Hope Uzodimma, Imo State Governor and Progressive Governors Forum Chairman, as Secretary. The full list comprises 223 members spread across various directorates. However, the composition has generated significant controversy, particularly over the inclusion of serving public officials and individuals facing corruption allegations. Betta Edu, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation who was suspended by Tinubu in January 2024 over allegations of financial malfeasance, was named Director of Women Mobilisation. She was subsequently investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), though the outcome of the probe has not been made public.
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Similarly, Ngozi Olejeme, former Chairperson of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) board, was appointed Zonal Director for Election Planning, Coordination and Mobilisation for the South-South. She is facing an ongoing EFCC probe over an alleged N1 billion money-laundering offence. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), was named Deputy Director of Fundraising, with sources questioning the appropriateness of including a serving head of a revenue agency in a partisan campaign structure.
Several prominent APC figures were notably absent from the list, raising concerns among party stakeholders. Festus Keyamo (SAN), Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who served as spokesman and Director of Public Affairs for the 2023 campaign council, was omitted, as was Simon Lalong, former Plateau State Governor and Director-General of the 2023 APC Presidential Campaign Council. Other notable omissions include Benjamin Kalu (Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives), Nuhu Ribadu (National Security Adviser), and former Governors Yahaya Bello, Gbenga Daniel, and Ibikunle Amosun. Some sources described these omissions as “sheer errors,” while others attributed them to oversight or political calculations.
Party sources have revealed that the list suffers from three major defects that prompted calls for review: inclusion of individuals with alleged corruption cases, exclusion of experienced party figures who could add value to the campaign, and omissions through mere oversight in the compilation process. A source in the presidency confirmed to Daily Trust that the list was being reviewed due to concerns about the inclusion of “people who are supposed not to be there” and the exclusion of those “that would add value to the campaign.” However, sources indicated that the leadership positions – including the Director-General and Secretary – would remain intact, with adjustments likely limited to the membership composition.
Babafemi Ojudu, a chieftain of the APC, also criticised the composition of the campaign council, pointing out the presence of what he described as “former sinners” on the list. In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Ojudu observed that the list contained “saints and former sinners, the tried and the tired, reformers and those still awaiting reform.” He said that there are people whose names inspire confidence and others whose names inspire a quick check on one’s wallet, adding that a campaign seeking the confidence of Nigerians should not appear to be offering political sanctuary to every controversial figure who can command a convoy, finance a rally or mobilise a forest.
Reports indicate that the inauguration date for the campaign council has not been announced because there is a need to fine-tune the list of members. A source told Daily Trust that everything is being done in the Villa regarding the review, but noted that such adjustments are not unprecedented. For the 2023 elections, the first list of campaign council members was also recalled and fine-tuned before inauguration. Despite reports of a review, Morka has maintained that the party has not officially withdrawn the list. His clarification leaves the recently announced composition as the latest officially documented structure of the APC‘s 2027 presidential campaign, pending any formal amendment by the party.