The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC) has intensified consultations with critical stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general election. Led by its director-general, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, the APC-PCC held meetings with Muslim Clerics across some states in the North Central, North West, and North East geopolitical zones. The meetings aimed to engage with Muslim scholars and leaders of various sects.
The consultative meetings commenced in Jos, Plateau state, and took Senator Yari and his team to Kano, Kaduna, and Bauchi states. In Jos, the delegation was received by Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, chairman of the Council of Ulama of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS). The meetings provided a platform for the APC-PCC to interact with Muslim leaders and discuss pressing national issues.
In Bauchi, the delegation met with Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi, Khalifa of the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Zawiya. The cleric prayed for President Tinubu and urged sustained dialogue between the state and the religious community. The meeting in Kaduna State involved lengthy deliberations with Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, national chairman of the Kaduna faction of JIBWIS.
The discussions in Kaduna focused on security, economic hardship, and sustaining mutual trust in diverse communities. Sheikh Bala Lau commended Senator Yari for extending a hand of fellowship but admonished leaders to listen more and speak to the people with sincerity. The APC-PCC also met with the leader of the Qadiriyya movement, Sheikh Qaribullahi Nasiru Kabara, in Kano.
Sheikh Qaribullahi Nasiru Kabara offered special prayers for peace in Nigeria and for the success of the Council’s work. The cleric encouraged the delegation to carry the message of unity to every corner of the country. These meetings demonstrate the APC-PCC's efforts to engage with various stakeholders and build support ahead of the 2027 election.
Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has approved the composition of a National Campaign Council and Presidential Campaign Management Committee. The National Campaign Council will be chaired by Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, with former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai as deputy chairman.
The campaign council comprises various individuals, including Senator Austin Akobundu as director-general and Campaign Manager, and several deputy directors-general heading major operational directorates. The Campaign Advisory Council will be chaired by John Oyegun, former Governor of Edo state, with Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, as Secretary. Atiku's campaign team is now set to begin preparations for the 2027 election.
Key points
- APC-PCC engages with Muslim leaders in North Central, North West, and North East states
- Atiku Abubakar names National Campaign Council and Presidential Campaign Management Committee
- Campaign councils of various parties begin preparations for the 2027 general election
