Political Parties Race to Finalize Campaign Councils

As the August 19, 2026, commencement date for campaigns for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections approaches, major political parties in Nigeria, including the APC and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), are yet to fully constitute their campaign councils. This delay is attributed to ongoing internal negotiations, consultations, and legal disputes.

President Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi may enter the campaign period without clearly defined structures. The APC is currently deliberating on its campaign council, with Bala Ibrahim, the party’s National Director of Publicity, indicating that the structure will be announced after discussions conclude.

The party is also addressing the interests of various stakeholders, including governors and aggrieved aspirants, particularly in light of the recent Osun governorship election defeat. The ADC is considering figures like Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Liyel Imoke for its campaign leadership, weighing political experience and regional balance.

Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, has not commented on the delay.