The All Progressives Congress has said its 2027 presidential campaign council remains unchanged, dismissing reports that it had withdrawn the list unveiled at the weekend.

Felix Morka, the APC’s national publicity secretary, said on Tuesday that the party had not withdrawn the council’s membership and would publicly announce any changes if they became necessary.

“Rumours are not news,” Morka told TheCable. “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.”

The denial followed reports that the APC had pulled back the list for review after the composition triggered criticism from some party members and political observers.

The party announced the council on Saturday as it steps up preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with President Bola Tinubu named chairman and Vice-President Kashim Shettima as vice-chairman.

APC national chairman Nentawe Yilwatda was also named vice-chairman, while former Zamfara governor Abdulaziz Yari was appointed director-general.

Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, was named secretary.

The council also contains several serving government officials and former public office holders, including Zacch Adedeji, executive chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, and Taminu Yakubu, director-general of the Budget Office of the Federation.

The inclusion of some members has drawn criticism, particularly because of previous investigations involving some of those named.

Betta Edu, a former minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, was suspended by Tinubu in January 2024 over allegations of financial misconduct. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission later investigated the matter, although the outcome has not been made public.

Ngozi Olejeme, a former chairperson of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund board, is also listed despite an EFCC investigation over an alleged one-billion-naira money-laundering offence.

The controversy over the council has added to the early political manoeuvring ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections, when Tinubu is expected to seek a second term.

The president has received backing from senior APC figures and governors, although the formal campaign period remains ahead.

Morka declined to comment on complaints that some influential APC figures were absent from the council, saying such concerns were outside his remit.