The All Progressives Congress (APC) has faced intense political maneuvering and strategizing to woo the electorate ahead of the 2027 general elections. Despite formally presenting its presidential campaign council on August 22, the party has been grappling with complaints and criticism over the list of members. The Director-General of the Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Yari, has been touring the country, advocating for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The APC's presidential campaign council has commenced activities, although it is still awaiting official inauguration. Criticism over the inclusion of certain individuals, including former government officials under investigation by anti-graft agencies and serving officials in sensitive public offices, prompted the Presidency and the ruling party to delay the inauguration. The Presidency has defended the composition of the council but admitted that adjustments would be made to the list.
A party chieftain has stated that the party is still awaiting the president's return to Abuja for the final release of the campaign council list. The list is expected to be inaugurated after the president approves the expanded list. Meanwhile, situations in some states, including Katsina, are precarious, with intense rivalry among party members and divisions fueled by political interests and personality clashes.
In Katsina, a reported rift between Governor Dikko Umaru Radda's political camp and an Abuja-based network associated with Ibrahim Kabir Masari has sparked concerns. The disagreements may be about political influence and campaign structures. Analysts say that neither development establishes a gulf between Radda and President Bola Tinubu, as Masari has publicly called for APC unity and mobilisation.
In Borno, a fierce political tussle has erupted within the APC over the appointment of former Borno State governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, as the North-East zonal campaign coordinator for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid. Loyalists have celebrated the appointment, while others have triggered resistance, counter-petitions, and allegations of proxy wars.
The North-West zonal coordinator of the Northern Youth Frontier (NYF), Saminu Tukur, has argued that selecting Sheriff carries reputational consequences, citing previous controversies associated with his political career. The NYF has called on the APC leadership to drop Sheriff from the campaign council. However, the North-East Coalition for Truth, Justice and Responsible Leadership (NECTJRL) has strongly condemned the petitions, labeling them "manufactured political charades" orchestrated by external forces.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the controversy surrounding Senator Ali Modu Sheriff highlights underlying tensions within the APC. The party's ability to manage these internal conflicts and address criticism will be crucial in its bid to secure a victory in the upcoming elections. The APC's campaign council is expected to play a significant role in shaping the party's strategy and messaging.
Key points
- The APC faces internal conflicts and criticism over its presidential campaign council.
- The party has delayed the inauguration of the council due to complaints and criticism.
- The appointment of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as a zonal campaign coordinator has sparked resistance and controversy.
