Kwankwaso Faults APC Campaign Council, Questions Role of Serving Officials
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Larry Okorigbo
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has intensified his criticism of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the ruling party prepares for the 2027 presidential election.
Kwankwaso’s position comes shortly after the APC unveiled its Presidential Campaign Council, with former Zamfara State Governor and Senator Abdulaziz Yari appointed Director-General and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma named Secretary.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will chair the campaign council, while Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, will serve as Vice Chairmen. The council is expected to coordinate the ruling party’s campaign as Tinubu seeks a second term in office.
The composition of the council has already generated criticism from opposition figures, particularly over the inclusion of serving government officials in positions connected with campaign finance and fundraising.
The published membership list names Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun as Director of Fundraising and Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), as Deputy Director of Fundraising. It also lists Sheriff Oborevwori as Director of Finance/Treasurer and Tanimu Yakubu as Secretary, Finance/Treasurer.
Adedeji’s role has attracted particular scrutiny because of his position as head of the federal revenue agency. Former Kogi West Senator and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Dino Melaye has separately announced plans to challenge the appointment in court, arguing that the involvement of a serving revenue chief in a presidential campaign fundraising structure could raise questions about conflict of interest and public-service ethics.
The controversy has added to the broader opposition criticism of the APC’s campaign structure as political parties position themselves for the 2027 contest.
Kwankwaso, who previously served as governor of Kano State, is running as Peter Obi’s running mate on the NDC platform. His emergence as the NDC vice-presidential candidate has been confirmed in multiple reports, following the formalisation of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket.
In recent public statements, Kwankwaso has repeatedly highlighted economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and rising living costs as major issues that should shape the 2027 election.
On August 20, he urged Nigerians to use the election to choose a new political direction, pointing to the pressure created by rising food and essential commodity prices, unemployment and high operating costs for businesses. He also called attention to insecurity and the need to protect farmers and communities.
Kwankwaso has similarly argued that the 2027 election provides an opportunity for Nigerians to demand accountable and competent leadership.
Meanwhile, Yari has accepted his appointment as Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council. In a statement reported after the council’s unveiling, the former Zamfara governor expressed gratitude for the appointment and said the campaign work would begin immediately.
The appointment of Yari is considered strategically important for the APC, particularly because of the political significance of the North-West region in the 2027 election. The zone delivered a substantial share of Tinubu’s votes in the 2023 presidential election and is expected to remain a major battleground.
As the APC and opposition parties build their campaign structures, the economy, insecurity, unemployment, institutional credibility and the performance of the Tinubu administration are expected to feature prominently in the political contest.
While claims that Kwankwaso specifically asked Yari to reject his appointment could not be independently established from credible reports reviewed, the NDC leader has consistently criticised the direction of the country and urged voters to use the 2027 election to demand political change.
The emerging dispute over the APC campaign council therefore signals an increasingly competitive political environment as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 presidential election.
