Key Takeaways
- The APC has launched its Presidential Campaign Council for the upcoming 2027 elections.
- Concerns have emerged over the absence of several prominent political figures from the council.
- President Bola Tinubu leads the council, with a review likely to address representation issues.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) recently announced the formation of its Presidential Campaign Council in preparation for the upcoming 2027 general elections. This announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and has already become a topic of lively discussion within political circles.
President Bola Tinubu will oversee the council as its chairman, while Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda have been appointed as vice chairmen. The council will also be led by Abdul’aziz Yari, the former Governor of Zamfara State and current Senator representing Zamfara West, who takes the role of Director-General. Additionally, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has been designated as secretary.
Supporting roles within the council include the APC National Secretary Ajibola Bashiru, who will serve as deputy secretary, and Hadiza Bala-Usman, who takes on the role of assistant secretary. Despite the establishment of this leadership team, the composition has raised eyebrows concerning the absence of several key party stakeholders.
Reports indicate that the President has instructed a reassessment of the council’s membership, aiming to rectify concerns related to hierarchy, geographical representation, and adherence to the party's political framework. This comes amidst widespread acknowledgment of the strategic value that certain absent figures could bring to the campaign.
Among those notably missing from the council are seven prominent individuals, each of whom has demonstrated significant influence and involvement in previous campaigns. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has historically played a vital role in the party's elections; he previously served as Director of Strategic Communications for former President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 re-election campaign and as Chief Spokesperson for the Tinubu-Shettima Campaign in 2023.
The former governor of Plateau State, who led the 2023 campaign efforts as Director-General, is another notable absence. Similarly, the National Security Adviser, who had noteworthy campaign experience in 2019, is currently focused on national security duties instead of political mobilization.
Furthermore, the former Kogi State governor, recognized as a key mobilizer during Buhari’s re-election campaign, and the former Minister of Aviation, who actively defended the Tinubu campaign, are also not listed among the members of this council. These prominent omissions highlight the potential challenges and dynamics the campaign may face going forward.
With the President’s directive for a review, the future structure of the campaign council could evolve significantly, potentially allowing for the inclusion of these influential figures who possess extensive experience in navigating political landscapes.
Why This Matters
The formation of the APC's Presidential Campaign Council is crucial as it sets the tone for the party's strategy leading up to the elections. Addressing the concerns of representation may be vital for rallying broader support and unity within the party as the political landscape intensifies.