The All Progressives Congress has denied reports that it withdrew its list of members of the 2027 presidential campaign council for review.
APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, dismissed the reports as rumours, stressing that any changes to the council’s composition would be officially communicated by the party.
Morka spoke to TheCable on Tuesday morning following reports that the party had withdrawn the list over concerns about the inclusion and exclusion of certain individuals.
“Rumours are not news. When people are carrying rumours, that is not news. There is fake news, and there is real news.
“Nobody will give any list at the moment. But if there is any reason to update it, it would be announced properly,” Morka said.
The ruling party unveiled the campaign council on Saturday, naming President Bola Tinubu as chairman, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, serving as vice-chairmen.
Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari was appointed Director-General, while Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, was named secretary.
The composition of the council has attracted criticism, particularly over the inclusion of some serving government officials and individuals who have faced corruption allegations.
Those listed include former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu; former Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund board chairperson, Ngozi Olejeme; Nigeria Revenue Service Chairman, Zacch Adedeji; and Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu.
Reports on Monday claimed the list was undergoing review following concerns about some appointments and the omission of certain prominent party members.
However, Morka said he was not the appropriate official to address complaints from party members who were left out of the council.
The controversy has also drawn reactions from opposition figures. Former New Nigeria Peoples Party presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso questioned the involvement of senior government officials in the campaign structure, while former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye threatened legal action over Adedeji’s inclusion.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Christopher Musa and Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, both listed on the council, described their appointments as a call to greater service and pledged to continue their security responsibilities and reforms.