Tinubu Names Yari Campaign DG, Uzodimma Secretary as APC Sets Up 2027 Council
ISSN: 2354-4481
By Grace Chidimma
ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has constituted the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, appointing former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, as Director-General and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as Secretary.
The campaign council is expected to coordinate the ruling party’s nationwide campaign as it seeks to secure Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 presidential election.
Under the structure announced on Saturday, August 22, 2026, President Tinubu will serve as chairman of the council, while Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, will serve as vice chairmen.
Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State and serving senator representing Zamfara West, will oversee the day-to-day coordination of the campaign as Director-General.
Uzodimma, who is also a prominent figure within the APC governors’ structure, was named Secretary of the council.
The appointments come after months of speculation and consultations within the ruling party over who would occupy the key campaign positions. Reports in recent months had identified Yari and Uzodimma among the leading contenders for the Director-General position.
The APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, was named Deputy Secretary, while Hadiza Bala-Usman was appointed Assistant Secretary.
The council also includes several senior political figures expected to play major roles in the campaign. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni were named Deputy Directors-General for the southern and northern zones.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, was assigned the mobilisation portfolio.
James Abiodun Faleke was named Deputy Director-General for election planning, coordination and monitoring, a position that places him at the centre of the council's electoral strategy and operational planning.
The media and strategic communications component of the campaign will involve Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, alongside Dele Alake, Bayo Onanuga and Lanre Issa-Onilu.
Dele Alake will head a five-member team of campaign spokespersons. Other members are Alwan Hassan, Ayobami Oyalowo, Kemi Asekun-Shittu and Adamu Fanda.
In announcing the structure, Tinubu charged members of the council to work toward securing victory for the APC in the 2027 presidential election.
The President also urged campaign officials to communicate the achievements of his administration and persuade Nigerians that the country is moving toward economic prosperity.
Tinubu further directed the campaign leadership to engage APC members and other stakeholders who were not included in the formal structure but could contribute to the party's electoral efforts.
The formation of the campaign council marks a significant escalation in APC preparations for the 2027 presidential election. Earlier reports indicated that the party had been holding consultations over the composition of the campaign leadership, with Yari, Uzodimma and other senior political figures considered for key positions.
Yari brings extensive political and administrative experience to the campaign. He served as governor of Zamfara State from 2011 to 2019 and is currently a senator representing Zamfara West. His political influence in the North-West has been identified as one of the factors behind his consideration for a leading role in Tinubu's re-election campaign.
Uzodimma, meanwhile, remains one of the APC's influential governors and a key figure in the party's national mobilisation efforts. His appointment as Secretary gives him a central role in the administrative and organisational coordination of the campaign.
The campaign council is expected to commence preparations for nationwide mobilisation, messaging, voter engagement and election-day coordination as the 2027 electoral contest approaches.
