The All Progressives Congress has dismissed reports of the withdrawal of
its 2027 presidential campaign council, maintaining that list remains unchanged.
APC’s national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, said on Tuesday that the party would publicly announce any changes if they became necessary.
“Rumours are not news. When people are carrying rumours, that is not news. There is fake news, and there is real news”
“Nobody will give any list at the moment. But if there is any reason to update it, it would be announced properly,” Morka reportedly told TheCable.
The denial followed reports that the APC had pulled back the list for review after the composition triggered criticism from some party members and political observers.
The party announced the council last weekend as it steps up preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with President Bola 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.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state, was named secretary.
The council also contains several serving government officials and former public office holders, including Zacch Adedeji, executive chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, and Taminu Yakubu, director-general of the Budget Office of the Federation.
The inclusion of some members has drawn criticism, particularly because of previous investigations involving some of those named.
The controversy over the council has added to the early political manoeuvring ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections, when Tinubu is expected to seek a second term.
The president has received backing from senior APC figures and governors, although the formal campaign period remains ahead.
Morka declined to comment on complaints that some influential APC figures were absent from the council, saying such concerns were outside his remit.
