Why Tinubu Withdrew APC 2027 Presidential Campaign Council List

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate withdrawal and review of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council list for the 2027 election, following complaints from senior party stakeholders that the composition excluded key figures and failed to adequately reflect the party’s leadership structure and regional balance.

The directive came less than 24 hours after the list was released.

The President reportedly became concerned that the initial list was too narrow and did not sufficiently accommodate influential party leaders, National Assembly leadership, serving governors, former campaign officials and other critical stakeholders whose involvement could be important to the party’s mobilisation ahead of the 2027 election.

A senior APC source said the decision was taken to prevent the campaign from starting on a divisive note.

“President was taken aback that critical and experienced voices in the party were not reflected. The goal is a campaign council that unites all blocs ahead of 2027,” the source said.

Kalu’s omission raises concerns

One of the major issues that reportedly triggered the backlash was the exclusion of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, the most senior APC federal office holder from the South-East.

Stakeholders argued that leaving Kalu out did not reflect the party’s political structure or its need to strengthen its presence in the South-East.

The composition also attracted criticism over the placement of National Assembly leaders.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio was listed as Deputy Director-General for the Southern campaign, alongside Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau were assigned coordinating roles.

Party stakeholders reportedly questioned whether the arrangement adequately reflected the constitutional standing and political hierarchy of the National Assembly leadership.

2023 campaign veterans missing

Another major concern was the absence of several APC figures who played prominent roles in the party’s 2023 presidential campaign.

Those reportedly omitted included former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, former campaign Director of Public Affairs Festus Keyamo, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, former Ogun State governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, and former Edo governorship candidate Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

The omission of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo also reportedly generated concern, particularly because of the strategic role serving governors are expected to play in state-level mobilisation.

Regional balance at the centre of review

Sources said the fundamental problem with the initial list was its failure to sufficiently reflect the APC’s political spread across the six geopolitical zones.

The President is therefore expected to use the review to bring more senior party figures, governors, lawmakers, former campaign officials and influential stakeholders into the structure.

The Office of the Chief of Staff has been directed to work with the leadership of the National Assembly and the APC National Working Committee (NWC) on the revised list.

Yari’s position remains

Despite the withdrawal, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, former Zamfara State governor, is expected to remain Director-General of the campaign council.

The review is therefore not necessarily a rejection of the leadership of the council, but an attempt to broaden its composition and address complaints about omissions, hierarchy and regional representation.

Tinubu’s message to the campaign team

While ordering the review, Tinubu urged members of the initial council to remain focused on mobilising support for the administration and communicating its achievements to Nigerians.

He said the administration had delivered on its campaign promises and placed the country on a path towards economic progress.

“As we march into the campaign season, we have many achievements to trumpet — let us confidently showcase our record and inspire hope in every corner of our nation,” he said.

The revised campaign council is expected to provide a more inclusive political structure and ensure that the APC enters the 2027 presidential race with its major stakeholders working together rather than divided over the composition of the campaign team.