2027: Controversy As Atiku Supporter Joins Tinubu, Abba Campaign Committee

The inclusion of Khadijah Aminu Shariff, a public supporter of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, in the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign committee for President Bola Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has raised questions about her political allegiance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Shariff, identified as a Senior Special Assistant to the Kano State Governor on social media, was named Assistant Director III, Digital Media and Innovation, in the campaign committee list released on October 19, 2026.

Her appointment has attracted attention because she had publicly declared support for Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential hopeful, in a social media statement posted on September 24, 2026.

In the statement titled “Special Announcement”, Shariff pledged to vote for Atiku and campaign for him in the 2027 elections, describing her decision as a contribution to politics and democracy in Nigeria.

She has also shared videos relating to Atiku’s political activities, including his visit to Akure, Ondo State, to welcome politicians who defected from the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Before declaring support for Atiku, Shariff had used social media to defend the policies and activities of the Kano State Government.

Her inclusion in the APC campaign committee has therefore raised questions about whether her political position has changed or whether she has clarified her earlier endorsement.

As of the time of filing this report, no public statement had been identified in which Shariff withdrew her support for Atiku or explained her inclusion in the APC campaign team. The party’s leadership in Kano had also not publicly clarified the circumstances surrounding her appointment.

Meanwhile, some young people associated with the APC have reportedly expressed concern over the distribution of political appointments, arguing that the contributions of party members and grassroots activists should be considered when positions are allocated.

They have also called for fairness in appointments, insisting that the contributions of both men and women to the party’s activities and electoral success should be recognised.

The development comes as political parties and their supporters begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with alliances, endorsements and campaign appointments likely to attract greater scrutiny.

Shariff’s appointment has placed her public endorsement of Atiku alongside her new role in a committee campaigning for Tinubu and Governor Yusuf, leaving questions about her current political alignment unanswered.