2027: Why APC, ADC, PDP Delay Campaign Council Inaugurations
By MELVIN KOFFA
MAJOR political parties have yet to formally inaugurate their presidential campaign councils for the 2027 general elections, despite the commencement of campaigns under the Electoral Act 2026.
The presidential and National Assembly campaign period officially opened on 19 August. However, nearly three weeks later, the APC, ADC and PDP are yet to formally inaugurate their campaign structures.
The delay has, however, not stopped political activities. Parties have continued to hold rallies, consultations and membership drives ahead of the election.
APC Says Formal Inauguration Can Wait
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) announced its Presidential Campaign Council on 22 August. President Bola Tinubu will chair the council, while former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari will serve as Director-General. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma will act as Secretary.
Despite the announcement, the party has not fixed a formal inauguration date.
National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, said the delay should not generate concern. According to him, several members of the council have already started campaigning for Tinubu.
Bashiru pointed to recent party activities in Kano, Rivers and Zamfara as evidence that the campaign machinery was already active.
He said the formal inauguration remained largely ceremonial and would take place when the party was ready.
ADC Cites Ongoing Consultations
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has also yet to unveil its National Campaign Council.
National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the party would announce the council and its inauguration date soon.
He rejected the suggestion that the party had missed a specific deadline for inaugurating its campaign structure.
Abdullahi said consultations were continuing within the party. He explained that the process would ensure the eventual council reflects the ADC’s strategy for the 2027 election.
The party has recently intensified its political activities and attracted new members as opposition forces position themselves ahead of the poll.
PDP Keeps Its Plans Close
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a similarly cautious approach.
National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Haruna Mohammed said the party would decide when to unveil its campaign plans based on its own assessment.
He stressed that the PDP would not act simply because other parties had started moving.
The position comes amid internal uncertainty within the party. There is also speculation over the impact of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Questions have also emerged over the direction of the PDP’s presidential campaign and the status of its candidate, Senator Sandy Ojang Onor.
Accord Faces Candidate Dispute
Accord has a different challenge. The party says it will not constitute a presidential campaign council until it settles the question of its presidential candidate.
National Publicity Secretary Joseph Omorogbe said the party’s National Working Committee would determine the next step after an extraordinary meeting.
The uncertainty follows a prolonged disagreement between the party leadership and Dr Gbenga Olawepo Hashim.
APM Moves Ahead
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM), meanwhile, is taking a more direct approach.
The party announced plans to inaugurate its presidential campaign office in Abuja on Monday. Its presidential candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, will contest alongside vice-presidential candidate Lawan Daura.
APM spokesman Abubakar Yusuf said the campaign would focus on issues, governance and practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
The party also plans to unveil a comprehensive policy blueprint.
The Labour Party is equally preparing to announce its campaign council, although a specific inauguration date remains unclear.
As the 2027 contest gathers momentum, the different approaches show that parties are balancing legal timelines with internal consultations, candidate-related issues and broader electoral strategy. The coming weeks are likely to reveal how each party intends to organise its presidential campaign and mobilise voters nationwide.
