Onoh Bombs APC 2027 Campaign Council List, Warns Tinubu of Tribalism and Imminent Defeat

Former South-East Spokesman of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Denge Josef Onoh, has criticised the 223-member All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council list for the 2027 general elections, warning that the composition could undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Onoh, in a strongly worded memorandum addressed to President Tinubu, alleged that the list marginalised major party stakeholders and foundational loyalists from the South-East and North Central zones, while accusing those responsible for its compilation of allowing tribalism, personal interests and selfish considerations to influence the composition.

According to him, the development was particularly troubling because of the sacrifices made by party members and campaigners across the country during the 2023 presidential election.

Onoh said the 2023 campaign structure was more inclusive, allowing dedicated supporters and regional actors to participate actively, including those who allegedly risked their safety and resources to campaign for Tinubu in politically difficult areas.

He argued that the current arrangement had departed from that spirit of inclusiveness, claiming that several key operational, policy and management positions lacked strong South-East representation.

The former campaign spokesman said the situation could leave loyal party members in the region feeling alienated from the President’s re-election campaign.

 Faults Media Team

Onoh also raised concerns about the composition of the campaign council’s communication and media structures.

He argued that, with the exception of two individuals he described as possessing the required political and strategic capacity, the media team lacked the experience and resilience needed to effectively confront the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, excluding experienced campaign communicators could leave the ruling party vulnerable to opposition propaganda and weaken its ability to effectively communicate the achievements of the Tinubu administration.

He further warned that disgruntled party loyalists who feel excluded from the campaign structure could deploy their political networks and resources elsewhere.

Calls for Immediate Review

To avert what he described as a potential electoral setback, Onoh urged President Tinubu to order an immediate review of the 223-member campaign council list.

He specifically called for the restoration of what he described as geopolitical balance and the reintegration of foundational South-East leaders and grassroots mobilisers into key operational and decision-making positions.

Onoh also appealed to the President to overhaul the communication structure by bringing in experienced, vocal and politically savvy campaign operators capable of effectively engaging the opposition.

He said the President’s re-election campaign should not be built around a narrow circle of individuals at the expense of broader party participation.

“Mr. President, do not let the short-sighted selfishness of a few handlers ruin the future of your administration. You cannot win a national re-election by shrinking your support base and telling an entire region they have no stake in your campaign,” Onoh said.

He urged Tinubu to personally intervene and ensure that the final campaign council reflects the diversity of the APC and provides stakeholders across the country with a sense of ownership in the 2027 presidential campaign.