The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed as unfounded rumours reports that it withdrew its newly unveiled 2027 presidential campaign council list. The party's national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, made the clarification on Tuesday in response to media reports suggesting the list was being reconsidered.
Speaking with journalists, Morka said the party had not withdrawn the list and that any official changes would be communicated through a formal announcement. He cautioned against treating unverified claims as news.
Morka: Rumours are not news
Morka said, "Rumours are not news. When people are carrying rumours, that is not news. There is fake news, and there is real news." He added, "Nobody will give any list at the moment. But if there is any reason to update it, it would be announced properly."
The APC had on Saturday released its presidential campaign council structure, with President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima named as chairman and vice-chairman respectively. The party's national chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, was also named as vice-chairman, while former Zamfara governor Abdulaziz Yari was appointed director-general. Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma, who also chairs the Progressive Governors Forum, was listed as secretary.
Council composition draws scrutiny
Other members named on the council include former minister of humanitarian affairs Betta Edu, former Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) board chairperson Ngozi Olejeme, Nigeria Revenue Service executive chairman Zacch Adedeji, and Budget Office of the Federation director-general Taminu Yakubu.
The council's composition drew immediate scrutiny. Edu was suspended by President Tinubu in January 2024 following allegations of financial misconduct, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched an investigation into the matter, though no public outcome has been announced. Olejeme is currently facing an EFCC probe over an alleged N1 billion money-laundering case.
Party responds to withdrawal reports
By Monday, reports had begun circulating that the APC was reconsidering the list and planning to drop certain names. Morka's comments on Tuesday were a direct response to those claims.
When asked about grievances from party members who felt that notable APC figures had been left off the list, Morka said addressing such complaints was not within his remit.
