2027: Yari, Al-Makura, Uzodimma, Wike intensify lobbying for APC Campaign Council DG

By Jude Opara

With less than two weeks to the official start of the 2027 presidential campaign, intense lobbying has broken out within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency over who will lead President Bola Tinubu’s reelection effort as Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).

Key figures pushing for the coveted position include former Zamfara State Governor, Sen. Abdulaziz Yari, former Nasarawa State Governor, Sen. Tanko Umar Al-Makura, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, and FCT Minister,Chief Nyesom Wike.

Party insiders reveal that the race for DG is heavily tied to political scheming for the leadership of the 11th Senate.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio is reportedly backing FCT Minister Wike for the post, despite Wike remaining a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Sources indicate Akpabio’s preference for Wike is a defensive move to protect his own Senate leadership ambitions.

This is because the PCC DG position offers massive visibility, influence, and access during the campaign, Akpabio and his allies fear that giving the role to either Yari or Uzodinma,both rumored contenders for the Senate Presidency would give them an unfair advantage.

Choosing Wike avoids this, as he will not be a member of the next Senate.

While President Bola Tinubu holds the final decision, key factors guiding the choice include fundraising capability, organizational efficiency, national reach, loyalty, and the ability to counter opposition attacks.

Profile of the frontrunners

Sen. Abdulaziz Yari

A proven organizational capacity, deep political clout in the vote-heavy North-West, and strong financial muscle to back the campaign.

However, his alleged ambitions for the Senate Presidency make his candidacy politically sensitive and raise concerns about conflicting personal interests.

Sen. Tanko Umar Al-Makura

Seen as a loyal, dependable bridge-builder and party administrator with broad appeal across various factions within the APC.

He is however, considered less aggressive and lacking the vast financial resources of rival candidates.

Gov. Hope Uzodinma

Strong leadership influence as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), close ties to the Presidency, and an ability to align governors and party machinery nationwide.

It demands of his current governorship could restrict his availability. Critics also note that appointing another Southerner alongside President Tinubu violates regional balancing, while his candidacy fuels friction over the Senate Presidency.

Chief Nyesom Wike

A fiery political strategist with deep cross-party networks in both the APC and PDP, extensive financial capacity, and an aggressive posture effective for dismantling opposition arguments.

But, his formal membership in the opposition PDP and polarizing image risk alienating loyal APC stakeholders who insist such a key role belong exclusively to a card-carrying party member.