Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has accepted his appointment as Secretary I of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections.
Musa described the appointment as a call to higher service and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership for the confidence placed in him. He also pledged to approach the assignment with diligence and commitment as the party prepares for the 2027 election.
The Defence Minister, however, assured Nigerians that his new political responsibility would not affect his constitutional duties as the nation’s Defence Minister.
According to Musa, national security remains his highest priority, stressing that ongoing military operations, strategic reforms and collaboration among security agencies would continue without interruption.
He said the Ministry of Defence would remain focused on protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and safeguarding the lives and property of citizens.
Musa’s acceptance of the campaign council position comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. The APC has begun putting its campaign structure in place as it seeks to retain the presidency.
The minister also urged APC members and supporters to remain united behind the Tinubu administration as the party prepares for the election.
He called on Nigerians who support the administration to remain committed to the government’s programmes and vision for the country.
The appointment has nevertheless attracted attention because of Musa’s position as Minister of Defence and the constitutional responsibility attached to his office. His assurance that security operations and reforms will continue is therefore significant as Nigeria continues to confront security challenges in different parts of the country.
The Defence Ministry has maintained that ongoing operations and inter-agency cooperation remain important to addressing threats facing the nation.
Musa said his participation in the APC campaign structure would not diminish his commitment to those responsibilities. Instead, he pledged to continue carrying out his official duties with the same level of dedication.
The minister’s appointment also comes at a time when political parties are beginning to mobilise supporters and establish campaign structures ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
The APC Presidential Campaign Council is expected to coordinate the ruling party’s campaign activities, communicate its policies and programmes to voters, and mobilise support for President Tinubu.
Musa’s role as Secretary I is expected to involve supporting the coordination and administrative activities of the campaign council.
Despite the political assignment, the minister stressed that the security of Nigeria remains paramount.
He said ongoing defence reforms and operations would continue with renewed commitment, while the government remains focused on creating a safer environment for Nigerians.
The development is expected to generate further discussion about the relationship between political responsibilities and the official duties of serving government ministers.
For now, Musa has made clear that his campaign role will not interfere with his responsibility to the Ministry of Defence.
As preparations for the 2027 election continue, the APC is expected to intensify its mobilisation activities across the country, while the Defence Ministry continues to focus on national security.
