The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports that it withdrew its 2027 presidential campaign council list, describing the reports as rumours.

Felix Morka, the party’s national publicity secretary, said on Tuesday that no new list had been issued following reports that the APC was reviewing the composition of the council.

Speaking on Tuesday morning, Morka said any decision to amend the list would be formally communicated by the party.

“Rumours are not news. When people are carrying rumours, that is not news. There is fake news, and there is real news,” he said.

“Nobody will give any list at the moment. But if there is any reason to update it, it would be announced properly.”

The clarification followed reports on Monday that the ruling party had withdrawn the list released on Saturday amid concerns over the inclusion and exclusion of certain individuals.

The APC had unveiled the presidential campaign council with President Bola Tinubu as chairman and Vice-President Kashim Shettima as vice-chairman.

APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, was also named vice-chairman, while former Zamfara State governor, Abdulaziz Yari, was appointed director-general.

Imo State Governor and chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, was named secretary.

Other members listed included Betta Edu, former minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation; Ngozi Olejeme, former chairperson of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund board; Zacch Adedeji, executive chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service; and Taminu Yakubu, director-general of the Budget Office of the Federation.

The composition of the council has, however, attracted controversy, particularly over the inclusion of serving public officials and individuals who have been linked to corruption investigations.

Edu was suspended by Tinubu in January 2024 following allegations of financial misconduct. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission subsequently investigated the matter, although the outcome of the probe has not been publicly disclosed.

Olejeme is also facing an ongoing EFCC investigation over an alleged N1 billion money-laundering offence.

Amid the controversy, reports emerged that the APC had withdrawn the list to review some of the names.

But Morka rejected the reports, insisting that any changes would be properly announced by the party.

Asked about complaints from some APC members over the absence of prominent party figures from the council, Morka said he was not the appropriate person to respond to such concerns.

The controversy over the council comes as the APC intensifies preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with Tinubu seeking a second term in office.