By Seun Ibiyemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said he will not accompany the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council to every campaign event ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing the demands of governance, financial obligations and Nigeria’s economic responsibilities.
Tinubu made this known on Wednesday during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, urging members to take the party’s message to voters across the country while he concentrates on running the government.
The president said he agreed with concerns that campaign activities should not distract him from his official duties, stressing that Nigeria required greater attention at this time.
“You’ve warned 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,” he said.
Tinubu also pointed to the government’s financial commitments and international obligations as reasons for limiting his attendance at campaign events.
“So, you will excuse me from going everywhere with you, we have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait,” the president said.
The president further emphasised the importance of attracting investors willing to make long-term commitments to Nigeria, saying such investments would help secure a better future for the country’s children.
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“We want those investors to come in, be here to stay, to invest for the future of our children,” he added.
Despite his decision not to attend every campaign event, Tinubu assured Nigerians that he would continue to communicate directly with them while the campaign council leads mobilisation efforts across states and local government areas.
“However, I will still make time to speak directly with Nigerians, even as you lead the campaign in the states and local government areas,” he said.
The arrangement would see campaign council members take the administration’s message to voters nationwide while the president maintains his focus on governance.
Tinubu described the council’s inauguration as more than a campaign exercise, saying it represented a renewed commitment to Nigerians and the responsibilities entrusted to the ruling party.
He said the council would communicate the administration’s vision, record and agenda to voters as the APC seeks another term in office in 2027.
The president also commended party members for completing the APC congresses, recalling predictions that the exercise could trigger an internal crisis.
According to him, the party had overcome the challenges and remained united, crediting members for their participation from the ward level to the national leadership.
“They said there will be implosion. We passed through it. We did not fail. You didn’t let us down. We got here together,” Tinubu said.
His remarks come as the APC begins preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the presidential campaign council expected to coordinate mobilisation and promote the party’s message across the country.
