‘He’s Afraid of Everybody’ — Melaye on Tinubu Appointing Self as Campaign Chairman

Former Senator Dino Melaye has criticised President Bola Tinubu for appointing himself as chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general election.

The APC, in the campaign council structure announced on Saturday, named Tinubu as chairman, while Vice President Kashim Shettima was designated Vice-Chairman I. APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda was named Vice-Chairman II.

Reacting to the development, Melaye described Tinubu’s appointment as unusual, arguing that a presidential candidate should not also serve as chairman of his own campaign council.

In a post on his Facebook page, the former lawmaker questioned the level of trust within the ruling party and suggested that Tinubu’s decision reflected a lack of confidence in members of his administration and party leadership.

“It is a disgrace that President Tinubu doesn’t trust anyone. He doesn’t trust himself. He is afraid of his own shadow; he doesn’t believe in anybody,” Melaye said.

He also suggested that the President’s decision could indicate concerns about the ability of APC governors, ministers and other party leaders to effectively manage the campaign without his direct control.

The criticism comes after the Presidency unveiled the structure of the APC’s 2027 campaign council, with former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, appointed as Director-General.

The council includes several senior APC figures and government officials responsible for mobilisation, administration, election planning, legal affairs and media and strategic communication.

Tinubu has charged members of the council to work towards securing victory for the APC in the 2027 presidential election.