There are very strong indications that the quest for who will lead the Presidential Campaign Council for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection in 2027 is raging underground. Among the names being touted as possible Directors General of the PCC are a former Governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Tanko Al Makura; a former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari and the Governor of Kaduna State, Comrade Uba Sani.

The indication emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) stepped up early preparations for the 2027 presidential race, as it refurbished Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) Secretariat along Herbert Macaulay Way, Abuja. That signals the quiet kickoff of political activities ahead of the campaigns.

The Secretariat first used during the party’s historic 2015 campaign has undergone significant renovation, reflecting what party insiders describe as a strategic move to consolidate structure, messaging, and coordination well ahead of the official campaign window expected to begin in September.

At the heart of ongoing consultations within the ruling party is the race for the position of Director-General (DG) of the PCC arguably the most critical role in shaping campaign direction and execution. A founding member of the APC and former governor of Nasarawa State (2011–2019), Tanko Umar Al-Makura, widely respected within the party’s conservative bloc, is one of those being considered.

As a Senator who represented Nasarawa South, he chaired key Senate committees, including that on Solid Minerals. Known for his grassroots mobilisation strength and loyalty to party leadership, he is considered a stabilising figure with deep northern political networks. He also serves as Coordinator of the North Central Renewed Hope Ambassadors.

Another aspirant for the DG position, according to party sources, is Abdulaziz Yari, who governed Zamfara State from 2011 to 2019. Now a Senator representing Zamfara West, he previously served as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), where he played a central role in inter-governmental coordination. His influence in the North-West and strong financial mobilisation capacity make him a formidable contender.

Uba Sani, a former Senator for Kaduna Central and current Governor of Kaduna State, represents a younger but influential bloc within the APC, who is also being mentioned. He is said to be a favourite among Progressive Governors. With a background in civil society advocacy before entering politics, Sani is seen as a bridge between technocratic governance and grassroots engagement. His emergence would signal a generational shift in campaign leadership.

The APC’s 2023 campaign was led by Simon Lalong, who served as DG of the PCC. A former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and later Minister of Labour and Employment, Lalong brought administrative experience and cross- regional appeal to the role.

It would be recalled that there were recent reports that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is being considered for the APC PCC DG position. However, some party chieftains are reportedly opposed to this, citing his non-membership of the party, despite his significant political influence as a leading figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

On the Deputy DG calculations—an important component of the PCC organogram sources indicate that zoning considerations and political balancing will play a decisive role. A former Governor of Ebonyi State (2015–2023) and current Minister of Works, David Umahi, is among those being considered for the South.

A key figure in infrastructure development under the Tinubu administration, Umahi is known for his engineering background and reputation for delivering large-scale projects. He commands considerable influence in the South-East and among the technocrat circles. Another strong consideration is Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State.

As Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, he plays a pivotal role in coordinating APC governors nationwide and is regarded as a strategic mobiliser within the party. For the North, sources say Aminu Bello Masari is being favoured. Masari served as Speaker of the House of Representatives (2003–2007) and Governor of Katsina State (2015–2023).

With decades of legislative and executive experience, he is widely regarded as one of the party’s most seasoned political tacticians. He also recently chaired the APC Central Planning Committee for the party’s national convention. For the position of Secretary of the PCC, James Abiodun Faleke has been tipped. He served in the same role during the 2023 elections and is likely to retain the position.

A long-time ally of President Bola Tinubu and a ranking member of the House of Representatives, Faleke is known for his organisational discipline and behind-the-scenes efficiency in campaign management.

Party insiders say the early renovation of the PCC Secretariat and ongoing consultations point to a deliberate effort by the APC to avoid last-minute disorganisation and internal wrangling that often characterise campaign seasons.

“With multiple power blocs within the party and increasing competition for strategic roles, the eventual composition of the PCC will not only reflect political loyalty but also regional balancing, competence, and electoral value,” a party source said.