2027: APC speaks on reported withdrawal of Tinubu campaign council list

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied withdrawing its 2027 presidential campaign council list for review.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, made this rebuttal on Tuesday, describing the reports as mere rumours.

Morka spoke with TheCable on Tuesday morning in reaction to reports that the party had withdrawn the list following concerns over the inclusion and omission of some names.

“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 said.

The APC had unveiled the campaign council on Saturday, with President Bola Tinubu as chairman and Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, as vice-chairmen.

Former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, was named Director-General, while Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, was appointed secretary.

The composition of the council had generated reactions, particularly over the inclusion of some serving public officials and individuals facing corruption allegations.

Among those listed as members are former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu; former Chairperson of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund board, Ngozi Olejeme; Nigeria Revenue Service Chairman, Zacch Adedeji; and Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu.

Reports had emerged on Monday that the list was being reviewed over concerns about some of the names and the omission of some prominent party members.

However, Morka said he was not the appropriate person to respond to complaints from party members about those omitted from the list.

The development comes amid criticism from opposition figures over the composition of the campaign council.