The Presidency has clarified that the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council list for the 2027 election has not been withdrawn, despite criticism over the inclusion and exclusion of some political figures.

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, gave the clarification on Wednesday, August 26, during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

Dare was reacting to reports that the ruling party had withdrawn the campaign council list following controversy over its composition, particularly the inclusion of some government officials and political figures, including the Nigeria Revenue Service boss and the Minister of Defence.

He explained that the list remains valid but could be adjusted as the party finalises the campaign structure.

“As it is with every other list, there’s room for subcommittees. Those subcommittees have not been formed, and so many other names will come into that subcommittee,” Dare said.

“So that list has not been withdrawn. The APC has issued a statement to that effect yesterday, that list stands. But of course, there will be adjustments.

“The list is not cast in stone, just like every other list.”

The APC had on Tuesday dismissed reports that it had withdrawn its 2027 presidential campaign council list, describing the reports as unfounded.

The campaign council, unveiled over the weekend, named President Tinubu as chairman, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda serving as vice-chairmen.

Former Zamfara State Governor and Senator, Abdul’aziz Yari, was appointed Director-General, while Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, was named secretary.

Asked whether the composition of the council was open to review, Dare deliberately avoided the term “review”, describing the expected changes as mere adjustments.

“Not a review, just adjustments where necessary,” he said.

When pressed on whether the distinction suggested that the list was being reconsidered, the presidential aide maintained that the anticipated changes would not amount to a wholesale overhaul.

“Review is wholesale, this is not wholesale,” Dare said.

He added that the creation of additional subcommittees would allow more party members and political stakeholders to participate in the campaign structure.

Dare’s clarification comes amid growing attention to the APC’s preparations for the 2027 presidential election and criticism over the composition of its campaign council.