The All Progressives Congress has rejected reports that it has withdrawn the membership list of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign council for further review.
APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described the reports as speculation, saying the party would publicly communicate any decision to amend the list.
Morka spoke on Tuesday morning while reacting to reports that the council’s composition was being reconsidered following concerns over the inclusion of some individuals and the absence of other prominent party members.
“Rumours are not news,” Morka told TheCable. “Nobody will give any list at the moment. But if there is any reason to update it, it would be announced properly.”
The APC unveiled the campaign council on Saturday, placing President Tinubu at its head.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, were named first and second vice-chairmen, while former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, was appointed Director-General.
Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, was named secretary of the council.
The announcement, however, generated controversy over the inclusion of some serving government officials and individuals who have faced corruption allegations.
Among those listed are former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu; former Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund board chairperson, Ngozi Olejeme; Nigeria Revenue Service Chairman, Zacch Adedeji; and Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu.
Reports subsequently surfaced that the party was reviewing the list amid complaints over certain appointments and the omission of some influential members.
Morka, however, declined to comment specifically on grievances from party members who were left out, saying he was not the appropriate official to address such complaints.
The controversy has also attracted criticism from opposition politicians.
Rabiu Kwankwaso, former vice-presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, questioned the participation of senior public officials in the ruling party’s campaign structure.
Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, also threatened legal action over the inclusion of Adedeji in the council.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Christopher Musa and Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, who are both members of the campaign council, defended their appointments.
The two ministers described their inclusion as an additional responsibility and said their participation would not affect the military’s ongoing security operations and reform programmes.
For now, the APC maintains that the published campaign council list remains valid, with Morka stressing that any official changes would be announced by the party rather than through unverified reports.
