Tinubu: I Won’t Attend Every Campaign Visit Because of Governance Demands

President Bola Tinubu has indicated that he will not accompany his campaign team to every state and local government area during his 2027 re-election campaign, saying the demands of governing Nigeria require his attention.

Tinubu spoke on Wednesday at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

He told the council, led by Senator Abdulaziz Yari, that he agreed with advice to prevent campaign activities from distracting him from his presidential responsibilities.

‘The Responsibility of This Office Does Not Pause’

The President said governance would continue throughout the election campaign, while the council would lead mobilisation across states and local government areas.

“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,” Tinubu said.

He nevertheless promised to create opportunities to address Nigerians directly.

“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,” he added.

His remarks did not specify which campaign events he would attend or identify states he would not visit.

Campaign Council to Present Administration’s Record

Tinubu described the inauguration as a renewal of the ruling party’s obligations to Nigerians, rather than simply the launch of an electoral structure.

“We have not gathered merely to inaugurate a council. We have gathered to renew a covenant. A covenant with Nigerian people and the historic responsibility they have entrusted to us as Nigeria’s governing party,” he said.

He charged council members with presenting the administration’s vision, achievements and future agenda to voters.

The President has previously defended his policy choices in his Independence Day address on economic reforms.

Mobilisation to Extend Across States and Wards

Tinubu expressed confidence that the council would take its message across the country and secure electoral support.

“This council will carry our vision, our records and our agenda to every Nigerian, and it will carry them to victory every ward of this country,” he said.

The campaign structure builds on ongoing grassroots mobilisation for Tinubu in northern Nigeria and support from political figures, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who has explained the scope of his backing for the President.

The contest will involve an electorate detailed in the state-by-state breakdown of Nigeria’s registered voters, while opposition parties have also organised their structures, including the ADC presidential campaign council.

Tinubu’s message places responsibility for much of the nationwide outreach on his campaign team while reserving a role for his direct engagement with voters.