2027: Kankia Takes Legal Command Role in APC Presidential Campaign

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has deployed the legal expertise of its National Legal Adviser, Barrister Murtala Aliyu Kankia, to its 2027 presidential campaign machinery, appointing him Secretary, Legal, in the newly constituted Presidential Campaign Council.
Kankia’s appointment places the party’s chief legal officer at the heart of its preparations for the 2027 general elections, as the ruling party moves to strengthen its political, legal, mobilisation, communications and security structures ahead of the presidential contest.
As Secretary, Legal, Kankia is expected to coordinate legal affairs within the campaign council and provide strategic advice on issues ranging from electoral compliance and campaign regulations to political advertising, disputes and other legal matters that may arise during the electioneering period.
His appointment is particularly significant because he simultaneously serves as the APC’s National Legal Adviser, creating a direct link between the party’s institutional legal structure and its presidential campaign apparatus.
The arrangement is expected to enable the campaign to draw on the party’s existing legal knowledge while developing coordinated responses to potential electoral and litigation-related challenges across the country.
The APC presidential campaign is expected to operate across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, requiring legal coordination for rallies, political engagements, grassroots mobilisation and other campaign activities.
Beyond providing routine legal advice, Kankia’s responsibilities could include helping campaign officials anticipate legal risks, ensuring compliance with relevant electoral laws and coordinating responses to disputes that may emerge before, during and after the election.
His role could become particularly important in the post-election period, when electoral petitions and litigation traditionally form a significant part of Nigeria’s political contests.
The appointment comes as the APC restructures its presidential campaign machinery ahead of the 2027 election.
Former Zamfara State Governor and Senator, Abdulaziz Yari, has been named Director-General of the campaign council, while other senior party figures have been assigned responsibilities across various operational departments.
The emerging structure reflects an attempt by the ruling party to establish a campaign architecture covering key areas including legal affairs, political mobilisation, security, intelligence and communications.
The APC’s legal desk is therefore expected to serve as a critical component of the campaign’s central command, particularly as political activities intensify nationwide.
For the ruling party, having its National Legal Adviser directly embedded in the presidential campaign structure could provide an additional layer of legal preparedness as it faces what is expected to be a fiercely contested election.
The 2027 contest is likely to generate legal questions surrounding campaign activities, party procedures, electoral regulations, voting processes and the declaration of results.
Kankia’s dual responsibilities could therefore position him as a key link between the APC’s national leadership, the presidential campaign council and legal teams operating across the country.
The development also highlights the increasingly strategic role of legal expertise in modern election campaigns, where political mobilisation is accompanied by legal, data, communications and rapid-response operations.
With the APC already assembling its campaign structures, Kankia’s appointment signals the party’s determination to put its legal machinery in place well ahead of the presidential contest.
For Kankia, the assignment extends his responsibilities beyond the APC national secretariat to the frontline of the party’s presidential campaign, where legal strategy is expected to play a major role in the party’s efforts to secure victory in 2027.

Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda: Kankia Seeks Public Support, Greater Accountability

The National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Murtala Aliyu Kankia, has called on Nigerians to recognise the gains of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration while demanding accountability and improved delivery under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Kankia made the call in his Eid-ul-Mawlid message to Muslims, stressing that the occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on the leadership values of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), particularly justice, honesty, compassion, consultation and service to humanity.
The APC National Legal Adviser said the principles of the Renewed Hope Agenda should remain central to efforts to transform the country through economic reforms, infrastructure development, human capital investment, security and social protection.
He urged Nigerians to assess government policies based on their impact on livelihoods, the economy, education, infrastructure, security and opportunities available to citizens, rather than through partisan considerations.
According to him, the reforms being implemented by the Tinubu administration are designed to reposition the Nigerian economy and create the foundation for sustainable growth.
Kankia, however, emphasised that supporting government policies should go hand in hand with holding public officials accountable for results.
“Leadership is a responsibility, not merely a privilege. The Renewed Hope Agenda must continue to be driven by policies that improve the lives of Nigerians, while those in government must remain accountable to the people,” he said.
He urged APC members and other political actors to ensure that the 2027 general elections become a contest of ideas, policies and development records rather than religious, ethnic or inflammatory rhetoric.
Kankia also called on politicians to place the national interest above personal ambitions, warning against actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s stability as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.
He appealed to religious leaders to promote peaceful coexistence, responsible citizenship and tolerance while discouraging hate speech, violence and political manipulation.
The APC chieftain further warned young Nigerians against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political violence, urging them to participate actively and peacefully in the democratic process.
He called on Nigerians to support efforts to strengthen the economy, expand infrastructure, improve education and skills development, enhance national security and deepen social protection, while ensuring that areas requiring improvement receive constructive criticism.
Kankia also urged Muslims to pray for President Tinubu, other national leaders and the peace and progress of Nigeria, stressing that the country requires collective effort to overcome its challenges.
He said the lessons of Eid-ul-Mawlid should extend beyond the celebration, urging Nigerians to embrace justice, tolerance, compassion, patriotism and service to humanity.
The APC National Legal Adviser felicitated the Muslim Ummah on the occasion and expressed optimism that Nigeria would approach the 2027 elections with greater political maturity, with candidates judged by their ideas, records and capacity to deliver.
“As we celebrate Eid-ul-Mawlid, let us remember that leadership is service. We must continue to support what is good for Nigeria, demand accountability where necessary, and place the national interest above personal and political ambition,” Kankia said.

FG Flags Off Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Dualisation, Umahi Moves to Tackle CriticCritical Road in Benin and Ekiti

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator (Engr.) David Nweze Umahi, CON, has declared an end to temporary interventions on the strategic Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road, as the Federal Government formally flagged off the dualisation of the route in Ibadan, Oyo State.
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Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on August 24, 2026 that took place at Open Field of Legacy Estate, Umahi said the project marked a decisive shift from temporary fixes to the delivery of durable infrastructure under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. “Today marks the end of an era of temporary fixes on this vital corridor. Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are building roads that will outlive generations.”

The Minister described the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode project as more than an ordinary road construction project, stressing that its strategic importance goes beyond asphalt and concrete “This 56.5km Dualisation is not just about laying asphalt or concrete; it is a deliberate economic intervention.”

According to Umahi, the dualisation will open up new economic opportunities across the Lagos-Ogun-Oyo axis, while making movement easier, reducing travel time and addressing security challenges that have been associated with the deteriorated sections of the road. “By expanding this corridor, we are unlocking the massive agricultural and commercial potential of the Lagos-Ogun-Oyo axis, reducing travel times drastically, and eliminating security vulnerabilities like kidnapping that thrived on dilapidated sections.”

The 56.5-kilometre dualisation project, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and awarded to JRB Construction Limited, is expected to strengthen one of the major transportation and economic links between Oyo and Ogun states.

Umahi said the project was one of the clear indications of President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming the country’s infrastructure landscape, particularly through the construction of durable roads capable of supporting growing economic activities.

He also praised JRB Construction Limited for its work on the corridor, describing the company as the best indigenous contractor and drawing attention to the scale of the ongoing earthworks. “I can tell you that JRB contractors are the best indigenous contractors. Go and see the work they are already doing. They are filling up to 40 feet along this road.”

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the ceremony, Ogun State Governor, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the project as an important economic connection between the two neighbouring states. “Today demonstrates the flag-off of the 56.5km Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road. It is more than just a flag-off; it is a vital connection between two sister states economically.”

The President’s commitment to the corridor was further emphasised at the ceremony. “The Ibadan-Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode corridor is simply too important for the Federal Government to neglect. This administration is committed to delivering infrastructure that outlives generations”.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, also welcomed the project, recalling the hardship experienced by farmers and traders who have depended on the road over the years. “We thank President Tinubu for seeing the strategic value of the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road. For years, our farmers and traders faced immense hardship navigating this route. This concrete dualisation project will bring lasting economic relief and security to Ibadanland and our neighboring communities.”

The monarch also commended Umahi for his role in advancing the infrastructure agenda of the Tinubu administration. “Senator Umahi has proven himself to be an indefatigable champion of infrastructure, and he has the full backing of our traditional institution.”

Immediately after the ceremony, the Minister announced that he would proceed to the Benin–Agbor–Asaba Road, where he said the Federal Government would engage all relevant parties and work towards resolving the difficulties currently confronting road users. “Tomorrow, we are off to Benin-Asaba Road. I want Nigerians to be assured that when we get there, we solve that problem. It’s not caused by Minister of Works. It’s caused by our attempt to involve private sector in roads development as is done in other places. But this concessionaire came and removed over 30KM of the asphalt and threw it away and closed the yard and left and today, people are suffering. We are going to be talking to the independent engineer and our lawyer, and of course, the concessionaire. So there’s going to be a robust engagement even with the governor Edo State.”

He also disclosed that the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Goronyo would visit the Ifaki–Kabba Road in Ekiti and Kogi states, another critical route requiring urgent attention. “The Minister of State is going to go to Ifaki – Kabba in Ekiti/Kogi States. Incidentally, in 2024, the president saw the terrible nature of that project, and he called me and he said we should take care of it. We have redesigned it, and when he goes, he’s going to bring up a report which we shall tell Mr. President.”

Umahi used the occasion to commend President Tinubu for approving what he described as critical road projects across the country, arguing that the scale of construction under the administration was unprecedented. “We may be having too many roads but I want to thank the president very, very highly. These are critical projects. Because tell me anywhere in this country, any zone where you had before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came on board, 50KM of road that you can ride through without pothole, without potholes on the road.”

Ibadan-Ijebu Ode

He urged Nigerians to appreciate the President’s infrastructure drive, noting that road construction was taking place across the country. “So I want Nigerians to appreciate what the president is doing. Every state is a construction site. There is no region that we say, “Oh, we are shortchanged.” There is nothing like that. So I commend the president very highly.”

The ceremony, which brought together government officials, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, ended with the official ground-breaking of the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode dualisation project, performed by Governor Dapo Abiodun on behalf of President Tinubu.

Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media)
August 25, 2026
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