RismadarVoice Reporters
November 1, 2026
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has criticised the controversy involving the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, over the leadership of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign youth mobilisation team.
Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District and serves as Deputy Director-General of Mobilisation in the APC Presidential Campaign Council, described the disagreement as an unnecessary distraction from grassroots political activities.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Friday, October 30, the former Edo State governor disclosed that he had personally discussed the issue with Israel.
He advised the youth leader to concentrate on political activities within his polling unit and ward rather than disputes over national campaign positions.
According to Oshiomhole, holding the position of National Youth Leader does not automatically confer responsibility for coordinating youth mobilisation across every community in Nigeria.
He maintained that political commitment should be demonstrated through grassroots engagement rather than the pursuit of prominent campaign appointments.
The controversy followed disagreements over the leadership of the APC Presidential Campaign Council’s Youth Mobilisation Directorate.
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On October 20, the campaign council announced the appointment of Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, as Director of Youth Mobilisation, with Israel serving as Deputy Director.
However, Israel subsequently claimed that his elevation to director had earlier been announced during a council meeting before the arrangement was reversed.
He maintained that the initial announcement was genuine and called for clearer communication of leadership decisions within the campaign organisation.
Oshiomhole, meanwhile, argued that individuals could contribute meaningfully to political campaigns without occupying senior positions.
Recalling his involvement in Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign, the senator said he had expressed willingness to undertake even the most basic responsibilities if they contributed to the campaign’s objectives.
He emphasised that results achieved within polling units, wards and constituencies should serve as measures of political mobilisation.
The former APC National Chairman also dismissed suggestions that disagreements among party stakeholders threatened the campaign’s organisational structure.
His remarks highlight continuing differences over leadership responsibilities within the ruling party’s campaign machinery ahead of the 2027 general elections.
