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| Tinubu review campaign council list |
The Presidency has withdrawn the recently released list of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 Presidential Campaign Council following internal and public concerns over its composition. The list, made public on Saturday, was quickly pulled back for review after several anomalies capable of embarrassing the campaign were identified.
According to multiple sources within the Presidency and the APC, the decision was driven by three major issues: the inclusion of individuals facing allegations of financial impropriety, the exclusion of experienced politicians who should have featured prominently, and some omissions caused by human error.
Among the most controversial inclusions were former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu, named as Director of Women Mobilisation, and former Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund board chairperson Ngozi Olejeme, listed as South-South Zonal Director. Both have faced public scrutiny over alleged financial misconduct during their time in office. Also raising eyebrows was the inclusion of Nigeria Revenue Service Chairman Zacheus Adedeji as Deputy Director of Fundraising, a role many consider incompatible with his sensitive public position.
At the same time, several influential figures with proven campaign experience were left out. These include Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, who served as spokesman of the 2023 campaign council; former Plateau Governor Simon Lalong, who was Director-General in 2023; and former governors Yahaya Bello, Gbenga Daniel, and Ibikunle Amosun. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu was also among those omitted.
Sources confirmed that the top leadership of the council will remain unchanged. President Bola Tinubu will still serve as Chairman, with Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as Vice Chairmen. Former Zamfara Governor Senator Abdulaziz Yari retains the position of Director-General, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma remains Secretary.
The inauguration of the council has been delayed while the membership list is being fine-tuned. A similar review process occurred ahead of the 2023 general election, when an initial list was also recalled and adjusted before formal inauguration.
The development has already drawn reactions from the opposition. Rabiu Kwankwaso criticised the composition of the council, while former senator Dino Melaye threatened legal action over alleged conflicts of interest. The Presidency has yet to issue an official statement on the review.
The quiet withdrawal signals an early effort by the Tinubu camp to manage optics and avoid unnecessary controversies as the 2027 presidential race begins to take shape.