APC-PCC inaugurates directorate of intelligence and security for 2027 campaigns

By Jude Opara

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC), on Sunday inaugurated its Directorate of Intelligence and Security sub-committee..

The inauguration brought together top retired military officers, security experts and party chieftains from all parts of the country, marking a strategic move in quest to have President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reelected for a second term.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Directorate’s Secretariat, Prof. A.A. Ciroma, said the occasion beyond the formal inauguration, signifies an organised, responsive and professionally planned framework for security and intelligence support to the Tinubu/Shettima ticket.

Ciroma lauded President Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda saying effective campaign planning requires sound situational awareness, effective intelligence, proper risk management and readiness for emerging challenges within the constitutional framework.

Director of Intelligence and Security, General Sarkin Yaki Bello (retd), charged sub-committee members to remember that the task ahead of them demands discipline, sound judgement, strategic coordination and commitment to the safety of the President, and the integrity of the democratic process.

General Bello noted that Tinubu’s several years of public service, including serving as a senator and as Lagos governor and President, form the record the campaign must communicate accurately with dignity, adding that a nationwide campaign involves much travels, large gatherings and different occurrence.

He further stated that the Directorate’s work must be based on credible information, prompt preparation, professional intelligence assessment, coordination with authorised security agencies, protection of lives, democratic integrity and effective communication.

In his intervention, Minister of Defence and Secretary of the Directorate, General Christopher Musa (retd), identified security as paramount and key to the success of the assignment.

Musa added that while the opposition may use the economy and insecurity to drive narratives, that teamwork of the members across regions and states is crucial.

General Abayomi Olonisakin (retd), who is the Chairman, Operations and Field Coordination, reminded the members that the job is just starting with the flag-off, adding that they will be required to go to various states to deliver the good news.

Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (retd), argued that without security there would be chaos. He pledged to make the campaign process safe and secure as one of the most important tasks in the council.

National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nantawe Yilwatda who was represented by the Deputy National Secretary, Prof. Abubakar Kana, praised the Directorate for mobilizing themselves and the discipline and professionalism they have exhibited in their assignment.

Yilwatda said the APC met the country in disarray in 2015, even as he advised the Directorate to always ensure clear paths, confirm venues as safe and remain even after events until everyone else must have left.