The All Progressives Congress has dismissed reports that it withdrew the list of members of its 2027 presidential campaign council for review.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described the reports as rumours, saying any changes to the council’s composition would be officially announced.

Morka, who spoke on Tuesday, said the party had not withdrawn the list despite reports that it was being reviewed over concerns about the inclusion and omission of certain names.

“Rumours are not news,” Morka said, adding that no new list would be issued unless there was a formal reason to update the existing one.

The APC had unveiled the campaign council on Saturday, with President Bola Tinubu as chairman, Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, as vice-chairmen.

Former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, was named Director-General, while Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, was appointed secretary.

The composition of the council had generated controversy, particularly over the inclusion of some serving government officials and individuals facing corruption-related allegations.

Those listed include former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu; former Chairperson of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund board, Ngozi Olejeme; Nigeria Revenue Service Chairman, Zacch Adedeji; and Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu.

Reports had emerged that the party was considering changes to the list following complaints over some appointments and the omission of prominent party members.

Morka, however, said he was not the appropriate person to respond to individual complaints from party members over those omitted from the council.

The development has also attracted criticism from opposition figures. Former New Nigeria Peoples Party presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso questioned the inclusion of senior public officials in the campaign structure, while former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye threatened legal action over the appointment of Adedeji.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Christopher Musa and Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, both of whom were named on the council, said their appointments represented a call to greater service and assured that their security responsibilities would continue.

The APC maintained that any adjustment to the campaign council would be communicated through the appropriate party channels.