APC May Reshuffle 2027 Campaign Council Amid Pressure From North, Southeast

APC May Reshuffle 2027 Campaign Council Amid Pressure From North, Southeast The ruling All Progressives Congress APC may review the composition of its presidential campaign council ahead of the 2027 general election following complaints from party stakeholders over the structure. The development reportedly reflects growing concerns within the party that some influential political figures and regions were not adequately represented in the council announced for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign. The controversy has reportedly put pressure on the Presidency and party leadership to consider adjustments to the council in an effort to address concerns and strengthen the campaign structure. The APC recently unveiled its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, with President Tinubu named chairman and Vice-President Kashim Shettima as vice-chairman. APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda was also named vice-chairman, while former Zamfara Governor Abdulaziz Yari was appointed director-general. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, was named secretary. The council includes serving government officials, governors, former public office holders and other senior party figures who are expected to coordinate the president’s campaign across the country. However, the composition immediately generated criticism, with questions raised over the absence of some influential APC figures and the inclusion of certain individuals whose previous records have attracted public scrutiny. The reported pressure is coming particularly from stakeholders in the northern and Southeast regions, who are said to be seeking greater representation in the campaign structure. Some party members have argued that the council must reflect the political strength and interests of the various geopolitical zones if the APC is to build a broad coalition capable of securing Tinubu’s re-election. The controversy comes at a sensitive period for the ruling party as it begins laying the groundwork for the 2027 presidential contest. There have also been public reactions to individual appointments. For instance, the Northern Vanguard for Asiwaju recently welcomed the appointment of Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle as Deputy Director, Security and Intelligence I of the campaign council, describing his political influence in Zamfara and the wider North-West as an asset to the Tinubu campaign. The group said Matawalle’s extensive grassroots network could help the APC mobilise support across the North-West ahead of the election. Despite the controversy, the APC has publicly denied that it has withdrawn the campaign council list. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the council remained unchanged and dismissed reports that the list had been withdrawn for review. He added that any changes, if necessary, would be officially announced by the party. The denial has added uncertainty to reports that the Presidency and APC leadership may be considering adjustments to the council. Political observers say the dispute highlights the delicate balancing act facing the ruling party as it seeks to combine loyalty to the administration with broad regional representation and electoral mobilisation. With the 2027 election approaching, the APC is expected to continue consultations with governors, party leaders, regional blocs and other influential stakeholders as it works to strengthen its campaign machinery. For now, the party insists that the officially announced council remains in place, while any possible reshuffle would have to be formally communicated by the APC leadership.