The All Progressives Congress has denied reports that it withdrew the list of members appointed to its 2027 presidential campaign council for review.
APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka dismissed the reports as rumours, saying any changes to the council would be formally announced by the party.
Morka spoke on Tuesday morning in reaction to reports that the party had begun reviewing the list following concerns over the inclusion and omission of certain names.
“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 unveiled its campaign council on Saturday, naming President Bola Tinubu as chairman, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda as 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 composition of the council has generated controversy, particularly over the inclusion of serving public officials and individuals who have faced corruption allegations.
Those listed include former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Betta Edu, former Chairperson of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund board Ngozi Olejeme, Nigeria Revenue Service Chairman Zacch Adedeji and Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation Tanimu Yakubu.
Reports emerged on Monday that the list was being reviewed over concerns about some nominees and the exclusion of prominent party members.
However, Morka said he was not the appropriate person to respond to complaints from party members over those left out of the council.
The controversy has also drawn criticism from opposition figures.
Former New Nigeria Peoples Party vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso questioned the inclusion of senior public officials in the campaign structure, while former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye threatened legal action over Adedeji’s appointment.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Christopher Musa and Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, who were both named to the council, described their appointments as a call to higher service and pledged that ongoing security operations and reforms would continue.
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