Tinubu releases campaign council list; Osinbajo, other anti-Muslim-Muslim ticket elements, rivals, except 2, uninvited

As the APC readies its 2023 election campaign engine, the ruling party released the list of names on its presidential election campaign council, numbering 422 on Thursday.

None of those who contested against the party flagbearer Bola Tinubu made the cut—except former Minister Rotimi Amaechi and Jack Rich. But those who are governors among them have roles to play.

V.P Yemi Osinbajo is not on the list. Nor are many of their supporters—like Babafemi Ojudu, Sen. Kabiru Gaya, and others.

It’s understandable why Osinbajo is not interested—or not invited. He’s the first in the party to take a stand against a Muslim-Muslim ticket, and it became part of his campaign strategy during the primary.

Many like him, including ex-SGF Lawal Babachir, ex-Speaker Yakubu Dogara, who now openly campaign against their party are no part of the jamboree.

Amaechi, first runner-up at the primary, is now the council’s special adviser on Infrastructure.

President Muhammadu Buhari is the Chairman, Tinubu is the Deputy Chairman I, and APC National Chairman, Deputy Chairman II.

Vice Presidential candidate, Kashim Shettima is the Vice Chairman; Plateau Governor Simon Lalong, Director General; Adams Oshiomhole, Deputy Director, Operations Hadiza Usman, Deputy Director, Administration.

Others who made the list include hundreds of former and serving governors, senators, House of Representatives members and ministers.

The APC Governors (and governorship candidates) will serve as the Coordinator of their States. In addition to the role, a few of them will also act as Zonal Coordinator or Special Adviser.

The Directors are Festus Keyamo, Public Affairs; Femi Fani-Kayode, New Media; Bayo Onanuga, Media and Publicity; Mohammed Idris, Strategic Communications; Aminu Jaji, Contact and Mobilization.

Bello Goronyo, Youth Mobilization; Birnin Kudu, Parliamentarian; Mustapha Muhaja, Campaign Planning; Wale Edun, Finance; Babatunde Fashola, Election Planning and Monitoring.

Gbemisola Saraki, Trade and Economic; Bobboi Kagama, Labour; Abike Dabiri, Protocol and Events; Nuhu Ribadu, Stakeholders Relations; Musa Babayo, Policy and Research; Ade Omole, Diaspora.

Hassan Liman, Legal; Jubril Abdulmalik, Intelligence and Security; Kolade Alabi, Local Government; Musiliu Obanikoro, SDGs; Ayuba Gufwan, PWD; Jack Rich, Fund Raising; Zack Orji, Performing Arts, among others.