Tinubu Draws Line Between Governance and 2027 Campaigns, Says Nigeria Needs His Attention

Ranti Thomas 16 hours ago 2 min read

Wellngton Jopelo

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration will not sacrifice governance for electioneering, saying he will leave much of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign mobilisation to party leaders while continuing to focus on the country’s economic and national responsibilities.

Tinubu gave the assurance on Wednesday during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, ahead of the 2027 general election.

He told council members that although he would participate in the campaign, he would not travel across the country to attend every political rally, insisting that his responsibilities as President must remain a priority.

“You have warned me and asked me not to allow the rigours 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,” he said.

The President explained that the demands of governing the country would continue throughout the election season, regardless of the activities of the campaign council.

“The responsibility of this office does not pause,” he said, adding that he would still make time to speak directly to Nigerians while campaign officials coordinated activities across states and local government areas.

Tinubu also pointed to the country’s financial obligations and the need to attract long-term investors as reasons for maintaining his focus on governance.

“We have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait,” he said, while expressing the desire to attract investors willing to commit resources to Nigeria and contribute to the future of its children.

The President described the inauguration as more than the formation of a campaign structure, saying it represented a renewed commitment between the APC and Nigerians. He charged members to communicate his administration’s record, policies and development agenda to voters nationwide.

The decision to delegate much of the campaign work to party leaders followed an appeal by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who serves as secretary of the campaign council. Uzodimma urged Tinubu to protect the administration’s reform programme from the distractions that often accompany election campaigns.

He argued that the reforms introduced by the administration required sustained attention to deliver their intended results, describing the 2027 election as an important decision on whether the policies would continue.

The campaign council is expected to coordinate mobilisation at state and grassroots levels, while Tinubu concentrates on presidential duties and selected engagements with voters.

The President’s position comes as the APC begins organising its campaign ahead of the 2027 election, with party leaders expected to defend the administration’s record and explain its policies to Nigerians.

Tinubu said the council must carry the party’s message to communities across the country, expressing confidence that its members would work together to secure the party’s objectives.

The challenge for the ruling party will be to balance its re-election campaign with public expectations over the economy, living costs, security and other national priorities.