The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general election, but the composition of the council has already sparked discussion following the absence of several prominent politicians and experienced campaign strategists.
The council was announced on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy and Coordinating Director of Media and Strategic Communication for the campaign.
President Tinubu will serve as chairman of the council, while Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda will serve as vice chairmen.
Former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari, was appointed Director-General, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma will serve as secretary.
APC National Secretary Ajibola Bashiru was named deputy secretary, with Hadiza Bala-Usman appointed assistant secretary.
However, the initial composition of the council has reportedly raised concerns among some party stakeholders, particularly over hierarchy, geographical representation and the need to reflect the party’s broader political structure.
Reports indicate that President Tinubu has directed a review of the list following the concerns.
Against this backdrop, several politicians with significant experience in presidential campaigns and political mobilisation are notably absent from the initial list.
1. Festus Keyamo
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo has played prominent roles in previous APC presidential campaigns.
He served as Director of Strategic Communications and spokesperson for former President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 re-election campaign.
In 2023, Keyamo was Chief Spokesperson and Director of Public Affairs for the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, becoming one of the campaign’s most visible media figures and defenders of the presidential ticket.
His absence from the initial 2027 council has therefore attracted attention.
2. Simon Lalong
Former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong also has significant presidential campaign experience.
Lalong served as Director-General of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council during the 2023 election, putting him at the centre of the APC’s presidential campaign structure.
Given his previous role and experience in coordinating a nationwide presidential campaign, his omission from the initial list is noteworthy.
3. Nuhu Ribadu
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu is another prominent APC figure with previous campaign experience.
Ribadu served as Director of Field Operations for the Buhari Presidential Campaign Organisation during the 2019 general election.
Although his current responsibilities as National Security Adviser are primarily focused on national security, his experience in political mobilisation and campaign organisation makes his absence from the initial council notable.
4. Yahaya Bello
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has also been left off the initial list.
Bello was involved in grassroots mobilisation for Buhari’s 2019 re-election campaign and remains an influential figure within the APC.
His political network, particularly in grassroots mobilisation, could have made him a potentially significant addition to the party’s 2027 campaign structure.
5. Femi Fani-Kayode
Former Minister of Aviation and APC chieftain Femi Fani-Kayode was another prominent figure in Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign.
He served as Director of Special Media Operations and New Media for the Tinubu-Shettima campaign and was actively involved in defending the presidential ticket during the election.
His absence from the initial 2027 campaign council is therefore likely to generate further discussion within political circles.
With the reported review of the campaign council, the composition of the structure could still change.
It remains to be seen whether some of the prominent figures currently missing from the list will be included in an expanded or revised council as the APC prepares for the 2027 presidential election.