With less than two weeks before the official start of presidential campaigns for the 2027 general election, Nigeria’s leading political parties are finalising their campaign structures, with former governors emerging as the preferred choices for the influential role of Director-General (DG).
According to The PUNCH, the ruling APC is considering former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to head President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
Party sources indicated that Uzodimma currently enjoys the backing of key stakeholders. His position as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and close relationship with President Tinubu are said to strengthen his chances. The APC is also weighing political experience, organisational ability and religious balance before making a final decision.
Within the opposition African Democratic Congress, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has emerged as the leading contender to direct Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign. Tambuwal previously served as Atiku’s campaign DG during the 2023 election while both were members of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Sources familiar with the discussions said Tambuwal is expected to work closely with Atiku’s running mate, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, to coordinate nationwide mobilisation and campaign strategy. However, ADC officials stressed that consultations are still ongoing and a final announcement is expected after party leaders meet this week.
The Labour Party also confirmed that it has selected a campaign DG but is delaying the official announcement until its full campaign organogram is completed.
Labour Party National Publicity Secretary Ken Asogwa said the party intends to build its campaign around the nationwide structures of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, describing them as the party’s greatest grassroots asset.
He said the LP would adopt a cost-effective campaign model rather than compete financially with larger parties, adding that labour unions would help deploy party agents across Nigeria’s polling units.
The Social Democratic Party said it would unveil its campaign team soon, with National Publicity Secretary Rufus Aiyenigba stating that preparations had been in place well before the official campaign period.
Similarly, the New Nigeria Peoples Party said it was in the final stages of constituting its campaign council. National Chairman Major Agbo said the National Working Committee is expected to approve the list of nominees before announcing the campaign leadership.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress also confirmed that consultations on its campaign structure are continuing, with party spokesman Osa Director saying a campaign DG would be announced once discussions are concluded.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed August 19 as the official commencement date for presidential campaigns, prompting parties to intensify preparations ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 election.
