Tinubu Appoints Leadership for APC Campaign Structure
President Bola Tinubu has constituted the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, appointing Senator Abdulaziz Yari as the Director-General and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as the Secretary. These significant appointments were disclosed in a press release issued on Saturday by the Presidential spokesman, confirming the comprehensive structure that will oversee the party’s electoral activities and strategic outreach.
According to the statement from the Presidency, President Tinubu will serve as the Chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, positioning him at the apex of the campaign machinery. Vice President Kashim Shettima has been designated to serve as the Vice Chairman of the body, providing crucial support to the President’s leadership. The press release further clarified that Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who holds the prominent position of Party Chairman, will also serve as a vice chairman within the campaign council structure, ensuring a strong link between the party’s administrative arm and its campaign efforts.
The constitution of this council places significant administrative and strategic responsibilities on the heads of state and key party officials. The appointment of Senator Abdulaziz Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, to the pivotal role of Director-General marks a central operational appointment for the party’s presidential bid. As Director-General, Senator Yari will be responsible for the day-to-day management and execution of the campaign’s strategies and activities across the nation.
Strategic Roles for National Outreach and Party Cohesion
The selection of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State as the Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council further underscores the party’s intent to consolidate its base and expand its influence. Governor Uzodimma, who also serves as the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, brings a wealth of experience in state governance and inter-party coordination to this crucial administrative role. His dual capacity as a sitting governor and leader of the governors’ forum is expected to facilitate seamless communication and resource mobilization among the party's state-level executives.
The combined leadership of President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, Professor Yilwatda, Senator Yari, and Governor Uzodimma forms a formidable core for the campaign. This structure is designed to leverage the political weight of the Presidency, the administrative acumen of the party leadership, and the operational experience of seasoned politicians. The strategic placement of these individuals aims to ensure a cohesive and effective campaign, capable of reaching diverse demographics and addressing various political landscapes across Nigeria.
Deputy Director-Generals and Administrative Support Across Regions
In addition to the top leadership, the campaign council includes several deputy and assistant secretaries to bolster its administrative capacity. Senator Ajibola Bashiru, who serves as the APC National Secretary, has been appointed as the Deputy Secretary of the campaign council, providing an essential link between the party’s national secretariat and the campaign’s operational arm. Hadiza Bala-Usman has been assigned the role of Assistant Secretary, further strengthening the administrative backbone of the council.
The press release detailed that the campaign structure is meticulously designed to ensure comprehensive coverage across both geopolitical zones of Nigeria through specific deputy director-general appointments. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a prominent figure from the southern region, has been designated as a deputy director-general. Similarly, Speaker Tajudeen Abass, representing the legislative arm, and Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, a key political leader in the northern region, have also been assigned as deputy director-generals for the campaign in the south and the north, respectively.
These appointments distribute operational oversight and strategic influence across the country’s major political figures and regions. The inclusion of Senate President Akpabio and Speaker Abass reflects the deliberate integration of legislative leadership into the party’s executive campaign framework, ensuring alignment between the party’s legislative agenda and its electoral messaging. Governor Buni’s appointment, alongside other designated officials, covers the northern region, aiming to consolidate support and mobilize grassroots efforts effectively.
Advisory Council Bolsters Campaign Strategy
The Chairman of the campaign council, President Tinubu, will work closely with a designated body of advisers to guide the overall campaign strategy and provide seasoned counsel. The press release listed the members of this advisory body, which includes prominent political figures from various regions of Nigeria, bringing a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the strategic planning process.
Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Segun Osoba are named as advisers to the council. Their inclusion brings extensive experience from previous administrative tenures, particularly in states like Lagos and Oyo respectively, to the strategic planning of the campaign. Their long-standing involvement in Nigerian politics is expected to provide invaluable insights into political dynamics and voter engagement.
The advisory body also includes Senator Rochas Okorocha, a former governor and senator; Senator Abdullahi Adamu, a former party chairman and senator; and Senator Florence Ita Giwa, a seasoned politician and senator. These individuals represent different geopolitical zones and political interests within the party, providing a broad base of counsel for the chairman. Their collective experience spans executive, legislative, and party leadership roles, offering a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape and strategic challenges. The constitution of the APC Presidential Campaign Council with these specific appointments was reported by New Telegraph on August 22, 2026, with the press release from the Presidency outlining the full roster of officials tasked with supporting President Tinubu’s presidential campaign efforts under the All Progressives Congress banner.