Tinubu Calls for Withdrawal of APC 2027 Campaign Council List as Key Leaders Missing

President Bola Tinubu has reportedly ordered the withdrawal and review of the initial composition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election.

The move followed growing concerns within the ruling party over the list released by the Presidency on Saturday.

Several senior APC members reportedly questioned the exclusion of influential party leaders and the allocation of key positions.

According to TheWill, Tinubu directed the Presidency, National Assembly leadership and the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to withdraw the list and address concerns over party hierarchy, regional representation and stakeholder interests.

A source quoted by the publication said the President was surprised by the limited involvement of experienced party leaders in the composition.

“The President was shocked and surprised that there was limited input from key and experienced people in the party in the final composition of the campaign council.”

The initial council named former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, as Director-General.

However, the list reportedly caused disquiet after several prominent APC figures were left out.

One of the major concerns was the omission of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio was listed as a 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 Jibril Barau were also given coordinating roles.

Some stakeholders reportedly argued that the ranking of National Assembly leaders was not properly reflected in the campaign structure.

The revised arrangement is expected to give the National Assembly leadership a more prominent role.

Another major omission was Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo (SAN).

Keyamo served as spokesman and Director of Public Affairs during the APC’s 2023 presidential campaign.

Other figures with previous campaign experience who were reportedly missing include former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Lalong served as Director-General of the APC’s 2023 Presidential Campaign Council, while Ribadu handled stakeholder relations.

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who served as National Youth Coordinator during the 2023 campaign, was also absent.

Former Ogun governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, as well as former Edo governorship candidate Osagie Ize-Iyamu, were among other notable names reportedly excluded.

The absence of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo also reportedly raised concerns because of his role in APC mobilisation in the South-South.

Despite the planned review, there was no indication that Tinubu had withdrawn Yari’s appointment as Director-General.

The revised campaign council is expected to accommodate more party stakeholders while addressing concerns over hierarchy, regional balance and political representation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.