2027: Uzodimma, Wike, Yari, Al-Makura Intensify Lobbying for Campaign Council DG

By Jude Opara

Barely two weeks before the commencement of the 2027 presidential campaign for the general election, some political bigwigs in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and government appointees are engaging in intense lobbying over who should clinch the coveted position of Director-General (DG) of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).

Among the names being mentioned are former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari; former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Tanko Umar Al-Makura; Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State; and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike.

Informed sources within the party told Peoples Daily that the contest for the PCC DG position is being influenced not only by the desire to ensure the re-election of President Bola Tinubu but also by the quest for the leadership of the 11th Senate.

It was further disclosed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio is backing FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, despite the fact that Wike is officially a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to a source who pleaded anonymity, Akpabio’s support for Wike is largely driven by political calculations ahead of the next Senate leadership contest. He is said to be uncomfortable with the reported interest of Uzodinma and Yari in the leadership of the 11th Senate.

“Many within the party believe that whoever becomes DG of the Presidential Campaign Council will enjoy significant visibility, influence and access during the campaign. Such an advantage could strengthen the person’s political standing ahead of the contest for Senate President after the elections,” the source said.

“There is concern in some quarters that if either Yari or Uzodinma secures the DG position, it could give them an edge in the race for Senate President. That is one of the reasons Akpabio and his allies are pushing for Wike, who is not going to be in the next Senate,” the source added.

Furthermore, the source stated that although the appointment is the exclusive prerogative of President Bola Tinubu, consultations have intensified within the party and the Presidency over who should head the council.

It was also argued that, beyond political considerations, other factors such as the ability to raise funds, organisational capacity, loyalty to the President, national reach and willingness to defend the administration against opposition attacks would play significant roles in determining who eventually gets the job.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Contenders

Senator Abdulaziz Yari

Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, is regarded as a strong political organiser with significant influence in the North-West, one of the country’s largest voting blocs. His supporters believe he can mobilise support across the region and has a strong financial base to contribute to the campaign.

However, his critics argue that his reported interest in the Senate presidency could make his appointment politically contentious and raise concerns about balancing campaign responsibilities with personal political ambitions.

Senator Tanko Al-Makura

Senator Al-Makura, a former governor of Nasarawa State, is seen as a unifying figure with extensive experience in party administration and national politics. He is also perceived as a bridge-builder and loyal party man, a disposition that has enhanced his acceptability across different tendencies within the ruling party.

However, some observers argue that Al-Makura may not have the same level of financial influence or aggressive political style associated with some of the other contenders.

Governor Hope Uzodinma

Uzodinma, the sitting governor of Imo State, is said to possess considerable leadership acumen, particularly given his position as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), coupled with his warm relationship with the Presidency.

His supporters believe he can effectively mobilise funds and coordinate governors and party structures nationwide.

Conversely, his detractors contend that his role as a serving governor could limit the amount of time he can devote to the campaign, while others believe his appointment could further intensify competition for the Senate presidency.

Another school of thought holds that the PCC DG should not come from the South because the President is also from the region.

Chief Nyesom Wike

Supporters of the FCT Minister point to his reputation as a political strategist, his vast grassroots network, which has enabled him to maintain loyalists within both the APC and PDP across the country, and his capacity to mobilise resources.

They also argue that his aggressive political style could help the APC checkmate the opposition.

However, his critics argue that Wike is not a member of the APC and is largely perceived as a divisive figure in some sections of the polity. Some stakeholders fear that his appointment could provoke anger among loyal APC members who believe such a sensitive position should be reserved for party members.