Presidency Explains Expected Adjustments to APC Campaign Council List

The Presidency has addressed public concerns regarding the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council list for the upcoming 2027 elections, stating that while modifications are anticipated, the list has neither been retracted nor subjected to a full-scale reconsideration. Mr. Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, conveyed this information on Wednesday, August 26, during an appearance on Channels Television’s "Sunrise Daily" program.

Dare's remarks were in response to reports suggesting that the APC had pulled back the controversial list. The controversy stemmed from the inclusion and exclusion of various prominent party figures and political personalities, including the head of the Nigeria Revenue Service and the Minister of Defense. The presidential aide affirmed the validity of the current list, emphasizing that the party is yet to finalize the numerous subcommittees that will form the complete campaign structure.

"Just like any other list, there is provision for subcommittees. These subcommittees are yet to be constituted, and many additional names will be integrated into them," Dare explained. He further clarified, "Therefore, that list has not been withdrawn. The APC released a statement to this effect yesterday, confirming the list stands. However, there will certainly be adjustments. The list is not set in stone, just like any other such compilation."

Earlier on Tuesday, the APC had also refuted claims circulating about the withdrawal of its 2027 presidential campaign council list. The list, which was initially unveiled over the past weekend, designates President Tinubu as the council's chairman. Vice-President Kashim Shettima and the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, are named as vice chairmen. Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, a former Governor of Zamfara State, was appointed Director-General, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma took on the role of secretary.

When questioned if the list was therefore open for a "review," Dare carefully avoided the term, preferring to describe the upcoming alterations as "adjustments." He stated, "It's not a review, simply adjustments where necessary." Pressed further on his reluctance to use "review" and whether it implied a deeper re-evaluation, the presidential aide maintained that the planned changes would not constitute a comprehensive overhaul. "A review implies a wholesale change; this is not wholesale," Dare asserted. He elaborated that the establishment of additional subcommittees would create opportunities for more party members and political stakeholders to participate within the campaign framework.