2027: Atiku eyes Tambuwal, Tinubu weighs Al-Makura as Obi continues consultations for campaign DG

Political parties have intensified consultations over the leadership of their presidential campaign organisations ahead of the 2027 general election, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) reportedly favouring former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal as Director-General of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign.

The consultations come as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares to open the official campaign window for presidential candidates on August 19.

According to sources within the ADC, Tambuwal has emerged as the leading contender for the influential position owing to his longstanding political relationship with Atiku and his previous experience as Director-General of the former vice president’s 2023 presidential campaign under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A senior party source, who spoke anonymously because the decision has yet to be officially announced, identified Tambuwal as the favourite for the role.

“Tambuwal,” the source replied when asked who was being considered to head Atiku’s campaign organisation.

The source further disclosed that if confirmed, Tambuwal would work closely with Atiku’s running mate, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, in coordinating campaign activities nationwide.

“Amaechi will work alongside Tambuwal even though the former Rivers governor is the running mate of the ex-vice president,” the source said.

Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, two-term Governor of Sokoto State and current Senator representing Sokoto South, joined the ADC in March 2026 after leaving the PDP.

He later announced that he would not seek another term in the Senate, saying the decision was aimed at promoting party unity and creating opportunities for younger politicians.

Despite the reports, ADC officials insist that consultations on the appointment are still ongoing.

A party chieftain and former PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, said no final decision had been reached.

“They have not agreed on a name yet, but they are to meet this Wednesday. Some names have been suggested,” Osadolor said.

APC yet to decide Tinubu’s campaign chief

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is also yet to conclude consultations on who will head President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s re-election campaign organisation.

Sources within the Presidency and the APC identified former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as the leading contenders for the position.

Although no final decision has been taken, party insiders said Uzodimma currently enjoys considerable backing from influential stakeholders within the APC.

According to the sources, political experience, organisational capacity, regional balancing and religious considerations are among the factors guiding the selection process.

A Presidency source said:

> “At the moment, it is still unclear who will eventually lead the campaign organisation. However, Governor Hope Uzodimma is the person being tipped by party stakeholders to head the APC’s presidential campaign team. That could still change before a final decision is made.”

The source added that Uzodimma’s consideration is partly linked to efforts to maintain religious balance, given that both Tinubu and Shettima are Muslims.

Other parties still consulting

Other political parties, including the Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), also confirmed they are finalising consultations on the composition of their campaign organisations.

National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, said discussions were still ongoing.

> “We have not decided on that. We are also meeting and consulting. Once the consultation is concluded, we shall announce the DG of our campaign at the appropriate time,” he said.

With INEC’s August 19 campaign commencement date approaching, political observers expect the major parties to unveil their campaign leadership teams in the coming days as preparations for the 2027 presidential election gather momentum.

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