Adjustments over campaign council not failure of consultation – APC

All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman Abimbola Tooki clarified that recent adjustments to the presidential campaign council should not be seen as a sign of the party's failure to consult. Tooki emphasized that the adjustments are a strength, as they show humankind's capacity to modify and improve upon initial choices when necessary.

The makeup of the 2027 campaign council was shaped by extensive consultations among party leaders, according to Tooki. He stressed that the members were not imposed by a single individual but resulted from a consensus. The list was developed after thorough deliberation to ensure representation from diverse segments of the party, he added.

Toki defended the inclusion of high-ranking government officials and other political appointees in the campaign structure. He argued that these individuals were already members of the APC before their appointments and thus should not be viewed as outsiders. He also pointed out that political appointees have a vested interest in explaining the administration's policies to voters, making their participation in the campaign council essential.

Concerns were raised about the potential for government officials to exploit their positions for personal gain during the election campaign. However, Tooki refuted these claims, pointing out that government resources cannot be used to finance partisan activities as the APC is funded primarily by its 12 million members through annual dues.

He also clarified that allegations of wrongdoing should not automatically disqualify someone from participating in the party's activities, as only courts of competent jurisdiction can convict individuals.

In conclusion, Tooki emphasized that the adjustments made to the campaign council reflect the party's commitment to inclusivity and representation. He firmly rejected any notion of a failure in consultation, stating that the process was comprehensive and thorough.