President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said he will not attend every campaign rally ahead of the 2027 presidential election, citing the need to focus on governance and Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Tinubu made the statement on Wednesday at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja while inaugurating the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council.
The president said the demands of his office would prevent him from joining the campaign team on its entire nationwide tour, although he would make time to address Nigerians directly.
“You have warned me and asked me not to allow the rigour of the campaign to distract me from governance. I hear you. I am in full agreement with your decision. Nigeria needs more attention now than ever before. The responsibility of this office does not pause,” he said.
He added, “However, I will still make time to speak directly with Nigerians, even as you lead the campaign in the states and local government areas. So, you will excuse me from going everywhere with you.”
According to Daily Trust, an APC source said Tinubu was expected to attend the national campaign flag-off in Kaduna and the grand finale in Lagos, as well as rallies in the six geopolitical zones.
The source added that Vice President Kashim Shettima would represent the president at many state-level rallies.
The APC presidential campaign is scheduled to begin in Kaduna on October 24.
Uzodimma Asks Tinubu to Focus on Governance
Earlier, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum and serves as secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, urged the president to concentrate on governing while party leaders and governors handle the campaign.
Uzodimma warned that the election season could distract the president from addressing the country’s economic challenges.
“The reforms you began need your full attention if they are to deliver everything they promise. Please, Your Excellency, leave the heavy lifting of this campaign to us,” he said.
Tinubu also stressed the need to maintain investor confidence and ensure that the government continues meeting its financial obligations.
“We have bills to pay,” the president said, adding that Nigeria needed an environment capable of attracting long-term investments and creating opportunities for future generations.
He urged members of the campaign council to see the assignment as an opportunity to renew the APC’s relationship with Nigerians rather than merely secure another electoral victory.
Political Scientists Differ on Tinubu’s Decision
The president’s decision to limit his campaign appearances has drawn differing reactions from political analysts.
Political scientist Prof. Gbade Ojo argued that Tinubu’s absence from some states could undermine the expectations of democratic electioneering.
Ojo said presidential candidates should travel across the country to explain their programmes, defend their records and persuade voters to support them.
Although acknowledging the demands of the presidency, he argued that Tinubu should be able to visit every state capital and engage directly with voters and political stakeholders.
Ojo also suggested that the president’s decision could reflect confidence in the strength of the APC and the perceived weakness of the opposition, while noting that the physical demands of nationwide campaigning could also be a factor.
However, Dr Shuaibu Mohammed, a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, said the decision had both advantages and disadvantages.
Mohammed said limiting campaign appearances could allow Tinubu to present himself as a leader prioritising governance and economic management over constant political activities.
However, he warned that the president’s absence from some rallies could reduce the party’s visibility in certain areas and place greater responsibility on governors, party leaders and the campaign council to mobilise supporters.
He added that the strategy would test the APC’s internal unity and organisational strength.
Abbas Acknowledges Economic Hardship
Speaking at the inauguration, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas acknowledged that Nigerians continued to face high living costs, particularly in food, transportation and housing.
He said the APC would address these concerns while presenting the administration’s economic record to voters.
Abbas cited economic figures, including reported growth of 4.2 per cent in the first half of 2026 and foreign reserves exceeding $54 billion in September.
He argued that improvements in economic indicators did not necessarily mean that every household had experienced relief, but maintained that the country’s economic foundations were strengthening.
The Speaker also criticised opposition parties for, in his view, condemning government reforms without presenting credible alternatives.
APC Promises to Defend Its Record
APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda said the ruling party would present its record over the past three years and allow Nigerians to decide whether the administration deserved another term.
He said the party would campaign on its reform agenda and development priorities.
Yilwatda also urged political parties to ensure that the 2027 election remained a peaceful contest of ideas, records and policies.
Uzodimma, meanwhile, told APC leaders and governors that the election would be a referendum on the party as a whole, not just on Tinubu.
He called for unity among party members, warning that control of government at multiple levels should not lead the APC to mistake its political structure for widespread public support.
Wike Vows to Deliver Rivers, FCT
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike pledged to work towards Tinubu’s re-election in Rivers State and the FCT.
Wike, who was named coordinator for the two areas, urged APC governors to work towards delivering their respective states for the president.
He said governors whose states did not support Tinubu should not claim victory alongside those who secured electoral support for him.
Atiku, ADC Criticise Campaign Council
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticised the APC’s campaign council, describing its composition as evidence of fear over the administration’s record.
In a statement issued through his campaign’s strategic communications director, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the large council would not address the hardship, insecurity and other challenges facing Nigerians.
He also criticised the decision to inaugurate the council at the State House, questioning the use of the presidential seat of government for a party campaign event.
Similarly, the ADC Presidential Campaign Council condemned the inauguration, accusing the APC of undermining multiparty democracy.
The council’s Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, alleged that the ruling party was using political influence to weaken opposition forces and concentrate power.
The APC has said it will defend its record and present its policies to Nigerians, while the opposition has continued to challenge the administration’s handling of the economy, security and democratic governance.
APM Campaign Organisation Questions APC Coalition
The Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation also criticised the APC Presidential Campaign Council, describing it as a coalition that would struggle to overcome public dissatisfaction with the administration.
Its Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, cited economic hardship, insecurity and declining public confidence as major challenges facing the ruling party.
He also questioned the administration’s record on poverty and access to basic services.
The competing positions set the stage for a campaign expected to focus heavily on economic reforms, security, governance and the performance of the Tinubu administration as Nigerians prepare for the 2027 presidential election.
