morganaBLE politics/elections
President Bola Tinubu had on Saturday announced former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari as Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma was named Secretary, alongside other party stalwarts tasked with driving the party’s re-election bid.
KaNo—
The race toward Nigeria’s 2027 general election gathered pace on Sunday as leading opposition figures, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, intensified consultations over the composition of their respective presidential campaign councils.
Their moves came shortly after the ruling All Progressives Congress formally unveiled key members of its own campaign structure, signalling the effective commencement of political activities ahead of the nationwide polls.
President Bola Tinubu had on Saturday announced former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari as Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma was named Secretary, alongside other party stalwarts tasked with driving the party’s re-election bid.
Atiku Reveals Ongoing Consultation
In response, Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, is said to be engaging in high-level consultations with party leaders, political stakeholders and technocrats to shape what aides describe as a “broad-based and inclusive” campaign structure.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku, Phrank Shaibu, urged Nigerians to exercise patience, stressing that the former vice-president would unveil the composition of his campaign council at the appropriate time.
“The composition of His Excellency Atiku Abubakar’s Presidential Campaign Council, its leadership and the formal take-off of the campaign will be announced at the appropriate time,” Shaibu said.
“Consultations are ongoing, and we would rather allow the process to run its course than speculate about names or locations ahead of an official decision.”
He explained that the delay was deliberate, aimed at ensuring that all relevant stakeholders were carried along in the process and that the final structure reflected the diversity of the country.
“We are aware of the different approaches being adopted by other candidates. His Excellency’s campaign will unveil its own fundraising framework in accordance with the law and at the appropriate time,” he said.
“Whatever model is adopted will be transparent, accountable and consistent with applicable campaign-finance regulations.”
Atiku Reveals Plan To Focus On Social Issues
Shaibu further revealed that Atiku’s immediate focus was on engaging Nigerians on pressing socio-economic issues and presenting policy alternatives to the current administration’s programmes.
According to him, a key element of Atiku’s policy agenda would be the reintroduction of a targeted fuel subsidy, designed to differ significantly from previous subsidy regimes.
He described the proposed intervention as “transparent and production-linked,” adding that it would support domestic refining capacity, reduce the burden on citizens and ensure that subsidy benefits were directly tied to petroleum output.
“This is not about returning to the old import-subsidy system. It is about a smarter, more accountable approach where subsidy follows the barrel and supports local production,” Shaibu said.
Peter Obi Finalizes Plans For Campaign Council
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disclosed that consultations were ongoing and that a crucial meeting scheduled for next weekend would determine the composition and timetable of the campaign.
“We are meeting next weekend before we can decide on a date. But everything will be done at the same time,” Director said.
“Of course, you can be certain that people like Prof. Pat Utomi, Buba Galadima and Bishop Idahosa will be among the names.”
He noted that the party intended to run an expansive, nationwide campaign that would reach voters in all parts of the country.
“I really don’t know the state we are going to kick off from. But we are going to be in the 36 states of the federation, including Abuja,” he said.
“We want to visit every state; if possible, we might even visit some states twice.”
Director added that once consultations were concluded, the party would publicly announce its strategy, leadership structure and campaign itinerary.
Kwankwaso Criticizes Yari’s Appointment As APC Campaign DG
In a related development, the vice-presidential candidate of the NDC, Rabiu Kwankwaso, criticised the composition of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, describing it as a reflection of continuity rather than change.
In a post on his verified X handle on Sunday, the former Kano State governor said the APC’s campaign structure offered Nigerians a clear indication of the choice before them in the upcoming election.
“The council brings together many of the same political actors who have supported, defended or participated in the present administration,” Kwankwaso wrote.
“Their coming together raises a fundamental question: What exactly are they asking Nigerians to vote for in 2027,a new beginning or the continuation of the same system that has brought severe hardship to our people?”
He cited rising food prices, unemployment, insecurity and pressure on public services as evidence of the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.
“Young Nigerians face unemployment and diminishing opportunities. Farmers and businesses are struggling to survive, while millions continue to live with insecurity,” he said.
“Our education, healthcare and other essential public services remain under enormous pressure.”
He urged Nigerians to use the election as an opportunity to demand accountability and people-centred governance, arguing that the outcome would shape the country’s future trajectory.
“If Osun people can do it, so can all other parts of the country,” he added, referencing recent electoral developments.
Kwankwaso also made a direct appeal to Abdulaziz Yari, urging him to reconsider his acceptance of the role as Director-General of the APC campaign council.
“I particularly appeal to my brother, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, to reflect deeply and reconsider accepting this responsibility,” he said.
He argued that Yari, as a former governor of Zamfara State and a prominent figure in the North-West, was well aware of the region’s challenges, including insecurity, poverty and displacement.
Political analysts say the flurry of consultations and strategic positioning by the major contenders underscores the high stakes of the 2027 election, which is expected to be fiercely contested.
With campaigns now officially underway, attention is shifting to how candidates will structure their teams, mobilise resources and articulate policy alternatives capable of resonating with a diverse and increasingly demanding electorate.
