The Presidency has commenced a review of the membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 Presidential Campaign Council following concerns over some of the names included and others reportedly left out of the list.
The review is aimed at correcting what party and Presidency sources described as anomalies that could create unnecessary controversy or embarrass the campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
President Bola Tinubu had constituted the campaign council ahead of the election, with former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari named as Director-General and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma appointed Secretary. However, the composition of the council quickly generated reactions within and outside the APC, with questions raised over the inclusion of some individuals and the absence of several experienced political figures.
According to reports, the Presidency is now fine-tuning the list before the council is formally inaugurated. The leadership structure is not expected to undergo a major change, but some names could be removed while others who were omitted may be added.
One of the concerns reportedly centres on the inclusion of individuals who have faced allegations relating to financial impropriety. Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Betta Edu and former Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund board chairperson Ngozi Olejeme were among the names that attracted scrutiny.
Another controversial inclusion reportedly involves Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, who was named as Deputy Director of Fundraising. Questions have been raised over whether a serving head of a major government revenue agency should occupy a partisan campaign position. At the same time, some experienced APC political figures were reportedly left out of the initial arrangement. Their absence has generated further discussion within the party, particularly because of their previous roles in presidential campaigns.
Among those mentioned are Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo, who played a prominent role in the APC's 2023 campaign, and former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, who served as Director-General of the party's previous presidential campaign council. Some lawmakers and politicians were also reportedly excluded through what party sources described as oversights.
The controversy comes as Nigeria's political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with President Tinubu seeking another term in office. Campaigns have already entered a more active phase, while opposition parties are also working to build a coalition capable of challenging the APC.
For the APC, ensuring that the campaign council reflects both political experience and public credibility will be important as the party prepares to defend its record and campaign for Tinubu's re-election, the review is therefore expected to produce a revised list that addresses the concerns raised by party stakeholders before the council begins full operations.