APC Unveils 2027 Campaign Council Amid Opposition Criticism

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled its Presidential Campaign Council to begin mobilization for the 2027 general elections. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu heads the council, supported by Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Prof Nentawe Yilwatda. Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari serves as the council's Director General and has expressed confidence that Tinubu will secure re-election and that the party will retain the presidency beyond 2031.

The council's composition has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures and some APC members. Rabiu Kwankwaso, vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, characterized the council as a collection of political actors who have defended policies causing economic hardship, describing the upcoming election as a battle between the oppressed Nigerian masses and oppressors. Kwankwaso specifically urged Yari to reconsider his role due to socioeconomic collapse in the North-west.

Further contention surrounds the appointment of public officials to the council, including the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service and the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation. Critics, including Dino Melaye, argue these roles present a conflict of interest. Additionally, the inclusion of Betta Edu and Ngozi Olejeme has been questioned due to unresolved financial misconduct allegations. Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential media aide, rejected these characterizations, stating the 2027 contest should be a competition of ideas and records rather than one based on inflammatory labels.