President Bola Tinubu has said he may skip some All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rallies ahead of the 2027 general election to concentrate on governance, meet Nigeria’s financial obligations and attract long-term investors.
Tinubu made the disclosure on Wednesday during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, urging party leaders to ensure that electioneering activities did not distract him from running the country.
“Nigeria needs more attention now than ever before. The responsibility of this office does not pause,” the President said.
Explaining his decision, Tinubu said the country had financial commitments that required urgent attention, adding, “So, you will excuse me from going everywhere with you; we have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait.”
He nevertheless pledged to support the party’s campaign and remain committed to its manifesto as he seeks re-election in 2027.
Tinubu also commended the APC for conducting its congresses and electing party leaders at various levels, despite predictions of an internal crisis. He charged campaign council members to mobilise voters across the country, warning that their efforts would count only when they secured electoral victory.
“This council will carry our vision, our record and our agenda to every Nigerian, and it will carry them to every ward of this country,” he said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, in his remarks, questioned the opposition’s capacity to govern Nigeria, arguing that politicians unable to resolve divisions within their own parties would struggle to manage the competing interests of more than 200 million citizens.
He also defended the administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange system, describing them as difficult but necessary decisions intended to address structural economic challenges.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, meanwhile, warned APC governors against abandoning their states to pursue other political ambitions, urging them to remain focused on their responsibilities to the electorate.
APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda called on campaign council members to communicate the administration’s achievements while acknowledging its shortcomings and explaining what remained to be done.
He said the campaign must demonstrate how the government’s policies and investments would improve the lives of Nigerians.
The inauguration formally launched the APC’s presidential campaign structure ahead of the 2027 elections, with party leaders urging unity, sustained grassroots mobilisation and a coordinated effort to secure Tinubu’s re-election.
Leave a comment