Presidency says APC 2027 campaign council list stands despite adjustments

The Presidency has clarified that the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council list for the 2027 election remains valid, although changes could still be made to accommodate additional party members.

Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, gave the clarification on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

Dare was reacting to reports suggesting that the ruling party had withdrawn the campaign council list amid criticism over the names included and those left out.

According to him, the list has not been cancelled or subjected to a comprehensive review, noting that the campaign structure is still incomplete because several subcommittees are yet to be established.

“As it is with every other list, there’s a room for subcommittees. Those subcommittees have not been formed, and so many other names will come into that subcommittee,” Dare said.

He added that the party had already clarified its position on the matter, stressing that while the list remained in place, it could be modified as the campaign structure takes shape.

“So that list has not been withdrawn. The APC has issued a statement to that effect yesterday, that list stands. But of course, there will be adjustments. The list is not cast in stone, just like every other list.”

The APC had on Tuesday dismissed reports that it withdrew its 2027 presidential campaign council list following the controversy surrounding its composition.

The list, released during the weekend, named President Tinubu as chairman, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda serving as vice chairmen.

Former Zamfara State Governor and Senator, Abdul’aziz Yari, was appointed Director-General, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma was named secretary.

When asked if the list could therefore be altered, Dare was careful not to describe the process as a “review”, choosing instead to refer to the possible changes as adjustments.

“Not a review, just adjustments where necessary,” he said.

The presidential aide further rejected the suggestion that the distinction was merely semantic, maintaining that any changes would not amount to a complete restructuring of the council.

“Review is wholesale, this is not wholesale,” Dare said.

He explained that the planned subcommittees would expand the campaign structure and create opportunities for more APC members and other political stakeholders to be assigned roles ahead of the 2027 election.

The clarification comes as the ruling party continues preparations for the 2027 presidential contest, with the composition of its campaign machinery attracting attention within and outside the party.