The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected reports that it pulled back the list of members appointed to its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council for another review.
The Party said the reports were based on speculation and stressed that any decision to alter the composition of the Council would be communicated officially.
APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, made the clarification on Tuesday morning while responding to reports that the Party had reconsidered the list because of concerns over some of the appointments and omissions.
“Rumours are not news. When people are carrying rumours, that is not news. There is fake news, and there is real news.
“Nobody will give any list at the moment. But if there is any reason to update it, it would be announced properly,” Morka said.
The APC announced the campaign council on Saturday, placing President Bola Tinubu as chairman. Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, were named vice-chairmen.
Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari was appointed Director-General, while Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, was named secretary.
The Council’s membership has since generated debate, particularly over the inclusion of serving government officials and other figures who have faced allegations of wrongdoing.
Those listed include former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Betta Edu, former Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund Board Chairperson, Ngozi Olejeme, Nigeria Revenue Service Chairman Zacch Adedeji and Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu.
Reports on Monday suggested that the Party was considering changes to the list amid concerns about some appointments and the absence of certain prominent members.
Morka, however, said he was not the right person to address complaints relating to individuals who were left out of the campaign structure.
The controversy has also attracted criticism from opposition politicians.
Former New Nigeria Peoples Party Vice-Presidential Candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso questioned the decision to include some serving public officials in the campaign arrangement. Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye, meanwhile, threatened legal action over the inclusion of Adedeji.
Two serving defence officials who were named on the council, Defence Minister Christopher Musa and Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, welcomed their appointments.
Both described their roles as a call to greater service while maintaining that their responsibilities in national security and ongoing reforms would continue without interruption.