Presidency says adjustments may be made following criticism over the inclusion of the NRS boss and Defence Minister.
The Presidency has clarified that the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 Presidential Campaign Council list remains valid but may be adjusted where necessary, dismissing reports that the list has been withdrawn for a wholesale review.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, made this known on Wednesday, August 26, during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
Dare was responding to reports that the APC had withdrawn the campaign council list following controversy over the inclusion and exclusion of some party leaders and political figures, including the Nigeria Revenue Service boss and the Minister of Defence.
He said the list had not been withdrawn, explaining that the party was yet to constitute all the subcommittees that would form part of the campaign structure.
“So that list has not been withdrawn. The APC has issued a statement to that effect yesterday, that list stands. But of course, there will be adjustments. The list is not cast in stone, just like every other list.”
Dare stressed that the anticipated changes should not be described as a review, but rather as adjustments to accommodate additional members and stakeholders.
When asked whether the list was open to review, he said:
“Not a review, just adjustments where necessary.”
He explained that a review would suggest a comprehensive overhaul of the list, which he said was not the case.
“Review is wholesale, this is not wholesale,” Dare said.
The APC had on Tuesday also rejected reports that the campaign council list had been withdrawn.
The list, which was announced over the weekend, named President Bola Tinubu as chairman, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda as vice chairmen.
Former Zamfara State Governor and Senator Abdul’aziz Yari was named Director-General, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma was designated secretary.
Dare said the creation of additional subcommittees would allow more party members and political stakeholders to participate in the campaign structure ahead of the 2027 presidential election.