Inside APC campaigns

The All Progressives Congress (APC) officially introduced its presidential campaign council on August 22. However, intense political maneuverings had already been occurring prior to the official announcement. The list of members was later suspended due to complaints, but the campaign momentum remained high. Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the Campaign Council, has been traveling throughout the country promoting re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, even though the council had not been formally inaugurated.

The formation of the presidential campaign council has not been without controversy; some individuals included in the list, including serving officials and those under investigation by anti-graft agencies, faced criticism from civil society organizations and stakeholders. The Presidency admitted that adjustments would be made to the list, but it remained unclear when the inauguration would take place.

In Katsina state, there are reported tensions between Governor Dikko Umaru Radda's political camp and an Abuja-based network associated with Ibrahim Kabir Masari. The disagreement may stem from political influence and campaign structures, and the billboard controversy has fueled speculation about a widening division between the two camps.

In Borno state, there has been a heated debate over the appointment of former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, as the North-East zonal campaign coordinator for President Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid. While loyalists celebrate the appointment, others argue that it could overshadow established authorities within the region and cause reputational consequences.