Opposition and Senate Offer Divergent Views on Tinubu’s Expanded Campaign Council

Opposition criticism On 14 October 2026, former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar, speaking through ADC strategic communications director Phrank Shaibu, condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s revised All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council. He argued that the sheer size of the list indicated a leader more concerned with tallying political allies than addressing the hardships faced by Nigerians, including rising food prices, insecurity and families of victims of violence. Atiku also described the night‑time inauguration of the council inside the Presidential Villa in Abuja as an improper use of a public building, asserting that the venue belongs to all citizens and should not serve partisan purposes. He warned that voters would decide on 16 January 2027 whether they wish to continue a “mandate of hardship”.

The ADC also alleged that the ruling party was pressuring opposition governors to join the council, characterising the practice as political coercion that undermines Nigeria’s multiparty democracy. Kola Ologbondiyan, ADC media director, claimed the government was leveraging state institutions to force opposition figures into the campaign structure, describing the situation as “political banditry”.

Senate endorsement In contrast, the Senate on the same day hailed the composition of the APC campaign council as a historic political development. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the body as a “rainbow coalition” that brings together politicians from different parties, which they said could foster national unity and inclusive governance. The Senate noted that the council includes coordinators such as Anambra Governor Charles Soludo (APGA), Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke (Accord Party), Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike (PDP) and Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe North. The chamber adjourned early to allow members serving on the council to attend the inauguration scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Presidential Villa.

Political context The divergent reactions come as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 presidential election, with the APC seeking Tinubu’s re‑election and opposition figures warning of economic distress under the incumbent administration. The debate over the council’s size, composition and venue reflects broader tensions over governance, party politics and the use of state resources in the run‑up to the vote.