Netizens React To APC’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council

Nigerians on social media have reacted to the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s  2027 presidential campaign council for Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

LEADERSHIP reports that the APC on Saturday, August 22, released a 223-member Presidential Campaign Council, signalling an early start to Tinubu’s bid for a second term. The list, made public by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, placed Tinubu himself at the helm of the campaign structure as Chairman.

Vice President Kashim Shettima was named Vice Chairman I, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda as Vice Chairman II, Senator Abdulaziz Yari as Director-General, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma will serve as Secretary.

The council also includes five advisers to the chairman, a six-member security committee, five members of the legal team, 13 parliamentary mobilisation members, 23 contact and mobilisation coordinators, 21 stakeholders’ mobilisation members, 21 state campaign council coordinators, eight local government campaign coordinators, seven ward campaign coordinators, and 10 polling unit mobilisation team members.

The announcement triggered widespread reactions across social media, particularly Facebook and X, with supporters describing the list as evidence of a well-organised political machine. At the same time, critics argued that the party was assembling familiar faces despite widespread economic hardship.

On Facebook, Yaroro Pedro said he hoped Nigerians would “vote wisely” in 2027.

“I wish the APC Presidential Campaign Council all the best, but I sincerely hope Nigerians will vote wisely and reject any government that has failed to meet the people’s expectations. May the will of the people prevail in 2027.”

Another Facebook user, Suleiman Abubakar, viewed the council as a strategic political move.

“This is a heavy list. APC isn’t playing with the 2027 lineup. Putting Mr President as Chairman and VP Shettima as Vice shows they want to run this personally. Faleke returning for election planning is smart; he knows that ground. Nigerians will be watching if that economic progress talk matches what’s on the ground.”

On X, reactions were even sharper.

Oluwaseun wrote, “Someone said during campaign season they remember the North; during leadership they forget them.”

Adam Ibrahim referenced former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s fallout with Tinubu. “Mr Backstabber will use them and dump them like El-Rufai.”

Hon. Richard S.O. Masi criticised the composition of the council, writing, “A team of failures whose families are all abroad, but deceiving poor Nigerians! Come and collect votes for Tinubu, the people are waiting!”

Others defended the APC’s early mobilisation.

Ayoku wrote, “Strong team for the 2027 campaign. With experienced leaders across d ifferent regions and areas of responsibility, the APC is clearly preparing early.”

Adetunji Adewolu  described the campaign council as evidence that the APC was taking the election seriously.

“APC is not exactly looking like a party that came to 2027 to practise. Akpabio, Oshiomhole, Gbajabiamila, Faleke, Umahi and the rest are already taking their positions.The campaign machine is warming up. Others can start checking their batteries.”

Kilo also took a swipe at the former governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha, “If APC wants to retire Rochas Okorocha, APC should just state it clearly. How can you elevate him to the level of an Elder at this age?” he asked.

Isaac Midas questioned the presence of some persons in the council

“Why are they bastardising our institutions like this? This Party will not be in Power forever, and Nigeria as a country is bigger than any Political party…..why are they making the head of the Revenue Service of the country a member of fund raising committee? This is all wrong!”

Some users questioned the inclusion of elder statesmen such as former Osun governor Bisi Akande and former Ogun governor Olusegun Osoba.

In contrast, others praised the decision as a way of preserving institutional memory within the party.