President Bola Tinubu has indicated that he may not participate in campaign rallies across all 36 states as preparations intensify for the 2027 presidential election, stressing that the demands of governance must remain his priority.
Tinubu made this known on Wednesday during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The President acknowledged concerns that extensive campaign activities could divert his attention from managing the country’s affairs, saying he agreed with the advice to concentrate on governance.
According to him, Nigeria requires sustained attention, particularly in addressing financial obligations, attracting foreign investment and strengthening the economy.
Tinubu said he would rely on members of the campaign council to undertake some political engagements on his behalf while he focuses on government responsibilities.
He also emphasised the importance of meeting the country’s financial commitments and creating an investment environment capable of attracting businesses willing to contribute to Nigeria’s long-term development.
The inauguration attracted prominent APC leaders, senior government officials and politicians from opposition parties who pledged support for the President’s re-election bid.
Among those present were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda.
Also in attendance were Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, who belong to political parties outside the APC.
Speaking at the event, Abbas pledged that the campaign would reach Nigerians at the grassroots through extensive mobilisation across constituencies, wards and communities.
He maintained that the administration’s first term had focused on implementing economic reforms, while a second term would provide an opportunity to consolidate those policies and translate increased government revenue into tangible benefits for citizens.
Similarly, Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressive Governors Forum, commended Tinubu’s administration and expressed confidence in the party’s preparations for the presidential election.
Soludo, a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), explained that his party’s support for Tinubu was informed by its commitment to national unity, security and shared prosperity.
Wike also reaffirmed his support for the President, describing the backing he had received from political stakeholders as significant.
On his part, Adeleke expressed enthusiasm about his role in the campaign, pledging to mobilise political support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.
The Osun governor said he was prepared to lead campaign activities in his state and work towards securing electoral support for the President.
Meanwhile, the newly inaugurated Presidential Campaign Council will be chaired by Tinubu, with Shettima serving as first vice chairman and APC National Chairman Yilwatda as second vice chairman.
Former Zamfara State Governor and Senator Abdulaziz Yari has been appointed Director-General of the council, while Uzodimma will serve as secretary.
The expanded campaign structure also accommodates politicians from other political parties, including Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Soludo of APGA and Adeleke of the Accord Party.
The council is expected to coordinate nationwide campaign activities, mobilise supporters, manage strategic communications and engage voters on the administration’s achievements and policy proposals.
Tinubu’s remarks suggest that while he remains central to the APC’s re-election campaign, he intends to delegate some campaign responsibilities to party leaders and council members to allow him devote greater attention to governance.
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