Tinubu’s 2027 Campaign Council: Key Takeaways
President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign structure has revealed a significant reshuffling of political responsibilities, with several prominent figures—including SGF George Akume and Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo—left without major positions in the main campaign council.
Abdulaziz Yari — Director-General
Hope Uzodimma — Secretary
Bola Tinubu — Chairman
Kashim Shettima — First Vice Chairman
Nentawe Yilwatda — Second Vice Chairman
Sheriff Oborevwori — Director of Finance/Treasurer
Mohammed Idris — Coordinating Director, Media and Strategic Communication
Dele Alake — lead campaign spokesperson and Coordinating Deputy Director
Why Akume and Keyamo are missing
According to the report, Akume's exclusion may follow the precedent of keeping certain senior government officials focused on governance rather than partisan campaigning.
Keyamo's lack of a major role is reportedly linked to the changing political landscape in Delta State, following Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's defection to the APC.
Other ministers, including Taiwo Oyedele, Joseph Utsev, Ibrahim Geidam and Bianca Ojukwu, are also absent from prominent positions in the central council, although serving ministers are expected to participate in state campaign councils.
New political allies
The campaign team includes several politicians who have recently joined the APC or moved closer to the Tinubu administration. They include Governors Douye Diri, Peter Mbah, Sheriff Oborevwori and Umo Eno, as well as former Senate President Pius Anyim and former Speaker Yakubu Dogara.
The council also includes figures from sports, entertainment and business, such as former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo, actor Zach Orji and businessman Obi Cubana.
Controversy over some appointments
The composition has also attracted criticism because of the inclusion of individuals associated with previous corruption allegations or legal controversies.
NRS Chairman Zach Adedeji, appointed Deputy Director of Fundraising II, has been criticised by former senator Dino Melaye, who says the role could create a conflict of interest because Adedeji heads the nation's revenue-collecting agency.
Former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu, former NSITF chair Ngozi Olejeme, and former governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame are also among the controversial names highlighted in the report.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) described the council as resembling a “rehabilitation centre” for people facing unresolved questions over corruption and public accountability.
Northern endorsement
Meanwhile, the Muslim Intellectual Forum, representing members from northern Nigeria and the FCT, has endorsed Tinubu for a second term.
The forum said it was satisfied with the administration's performance in areas including infrastructure, security, education, healthcare and economic development.
Overall, the campaign council appears designed not only to mobilise the APC's traditional political structure but also to consolidate Tinubu's expanding network of former opposition figures and newly aligned political leaders.
Abdulaziz Yari — Director-General
Hope Uzodimma — Secretary
Bola Tinubu — Chairman
Kashim Shettima — First Vice Chairman
Nentawe Yilwatda — Second Vice Chairman
Sheriff Oborevwori — Director of Finance/Treasurer
Mohammed Idris — Coordinating Director, Media and Strategic Communication
Dele Alake — lead campaign spokesperson and Coordinating Deputy Director
Why Akume and Keyamo are missing
According to the report, Akume's exclusion may follow the precedent of keeping certain senior government officials focused on governance rather than partisan campaigning.
Keyamo's lack of a major role is reportedly linked to the changing political landscape in Delta State, following Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's defection to the APC.
Other ministers, including Taiwo Oyedele, Joseph Utsev, Ibrahim Geidam and Bianca Ojukwu, are also absent from prominent positions in the central council, although serving ministers are expected to participate in state campaign councils.
New political allies
The campaign team includes several politicians who have recently joined the APC or moved closer to the Tinubu administration. They include Governors Douye Diri, Peter Mbah, Sheriff Oborevwori and Umo Eno, as well as former Senate President Pius Anyim and former Speaker Yakubu Dogara.
The council also includes figures from sports, entertainment and business, such as former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo, actor Zach Orji and businessman Obi Cubana.
Controversy over some appointments
The composition has also attracted criticism because of the inclusion of individuals associated with previous corruption allegations or legal controversies.
NRS Chairman Zach Adedeji, appointed Deputy Director of Fundraising II, has been criticised by former senator Dino Melaye, who says the role could create a conflict of interest because Adedeji heads the nation's revenue-collecting agency.
Former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu, former NSITF chair Ngozi Olejeme, and former governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame are also among the controversial names highlighted in the report.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) described the council as resembling a “rehabilitation centre” for people facing unresolved questions over corruption and public accountability.
Northern endorsement
Meanwhile, the Muslim Intellectual Forum, representing members from northern Nigeria and the FCT, has endorsed Tinubu for a second term.
The forum said it was satisfied with the administration's performance in areas including infrastructure, security, education, healthcare and economic development.
Overall, the campaign council appears designed not only to mobilise the APC's traditional political structure but also to consolidate Tinubu's expanding network of former opposition figures and newly aligned political leaders.
