# Political party shifts and leadership changes in Nigeria

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/political-party-shifts-and-leadership-changes-in-nigeria
> Updated: 2026-08-21T20:06:04.000Z. Sources: 60. Developments: 2.

Political shifts involving the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been observed across multiple Nigerian states. In Gombe State, leadership resignations occurred within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including Publicity Secretary Abdulrahman Buba Zaune and State Secretary Ahmed Gana, both of whom moved toward the APC. Simultaneously, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State faced internal leadership disputes, with the national leadership disowning Dr. Johnpaul Anih in favor of Engr. Ibuchukwu Obeta. In Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun has continued to facilitate APC expansion, following the defection of ward leaders from the PDP and ADC. In preparation for the January 2027 general elections, the APC has officially constituted its Presidential Campaign Council to spearhead President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. President Tinubu serves as Chairman, with Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda serving as Vice Chairmen. Former Zamfara State Governor Senator Abdulaziz Yari has been appointed Director-General, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma serves as Secretary. The council’s leadership includes Deputy Directors-General such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Governor Mai Mala Buni for regional coordination, alongside Senator Adams Oshiomhole for mobilisation and Femi Gbajabiamila for administration. James Faleke has returned as Deputy Director-General for election planning, and Governor Dapo Abiodun serves as Director of Fundraising. An advisory body featuring senior figures like Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Rochas Okorocha will provide strategic guidance. The expanded council includes 223 members and features Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the South-West Zonal Campaign Coordinator. The formation of the council has drawn various reactions. The ADC described the body as a “rehabilitation centre” for individuals with unresolved corruption allegations, specifically citing former officials Betta Edu and Ngozi Olejeme.

## Claims

- Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda will serve as Vice Chairmen. (corroborated by 28 sources)
- The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially constituted its Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the January 2027 general election. (corroborated by 28 sources)
- Governor Hope Uzodimma has been named the Secretary of the campaign council. (corroborated by 27 sources)
- Senator Abdulaziz Yari has been appointed as the Director-General of the campaign council. (corroborated by 26 sources)
- President Bola Tinubu will serve as the Chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council. (corroborated by 26 sources)
- Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been appointed as the South-West Zonal Campaign Coordinator. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: APC forms 2027 Presidential Campaign Council for Tinubu

The APC has formed its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, with President Bola Tinubu as Chairman and Senator Abdulaziz Yari as Director-General to lead his re-election efforts.

60 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ogun-governor-abiodun-welcomes-pdp-and-adc-leaders-into-apc

### 2026-08-06: Nigeria's ADC and NDC parties see leadership resignations

ADC’s Gombe publicity secretary Abdulrahman Buba Zaune resigns amid APC overtures, while NDC’s Enugu chapter disowns Dr. Johnpaul Anih, reaffirming Engr. Ibuchukwu Obeta as chairman.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-adc-and-ndc-parties-see-leadership-resignations

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Cite as: Political party shifts and leadership changes in Nigeria. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/political-party-shifts-and-leadership-changes-in-nigeria