Political parties have intensified consultations over the leadership of their presidential campaign organisations as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general election, with the African Democratic Congress reportedly considering former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, as Director-General of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s campaign.
The consultations are taking place ahead of August 19, the date scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the official commencement of presidential campaigns, prompting major political parties to conclude arrangements for their campaign structures.
Sources within the ADC said Tambuwal has emerged as the frontrunner for the strategic position because of his long-standing political alliance with Atiku and his previous role as Director-General of the former vice president’s 2023 presidential campaign under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A senior party source, who requested anonymity because the decision has yet to be formally announced, identified Tambuwal as the leading choice for the position.
“Tambuwal,” the source simply replied when asked who was being considered to lead Atiku’s campaign organisation.
According to the source, if confirmed, Tambuwal will work closely with Atiku’s running mate, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, in coordinating campaign activities across the country.
“Amaechi will work alongside Tambuwal even though the former Rivers governor is the running mate of the ex-vice president,” The Punch quoted the source.
Tambuwal is regarded as one of Nigeria’s experienced politicians, having served as Speaker of the House of Representatives, two-term Governor of Sokoto State and currently representing Sokoto South Senatorial District in the Senate. He defected to the ADC in March 2026 after leaving the PDP and later announced that he would not seek another term in the Senate, saying the decision was intended to foster unity and provide opportunities for younger politicians.
Despite reports suggesting he is set for the campaign role, ADC officials maintained that consultations have not been concluded.
A party chieftain and former PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, said discussions were still ongoing and no final decision had been reached.
“They have not agreed on a name yet but they are to meet this Wednesday,” Osadolor said, adding that “some names have been suggested.”
While the ADC appears close to naming its campaign Director-General, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is yet to settle on who will coordinate President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
Sources in both 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 of Director-General of the Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima campaign organisation.
Although a final decision is still pending, party insiders said Uzodimma currently enjoys significant backing from influential figures within the APC. They added that political experience, organisational competence, regional considerations and religious balance remain key factors shaping the selection process.
One 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 further stated that Uzodimma’s consideration is partly influenced by efforts to project religious balance, given that both Tinubu and Shettima are Muslims.
Meanwhile, other political parties are also putting the finishing touches to their campaign structures. Officials of the Labour Party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party, the Social Democratic Party and the National Democratic Congress said they would announce their campaign directors-general before the official commencement of presidential campaigns.
National Publicity Secretary of the National Democratic Coalition, Osa Director, confirmed that consultations were still underway.
“We have not decided on that. We are also meeting and consultation. Once the consultation is concluded, we shall announce the DG of our campaign at the appropriate time,” he said.
