Tinubu Prioritises Governance Over 2027 Re-Election Campaign

By Akin Alade

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a strong message to leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general election, declaring that the responsibilities of governing Nigeria must take priority over his re-election campaign as the ruling party intensifies preparations to retain power.

The President made his position known during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, where he challenged party leaders to take greater responsibility for grassroots mobilisation rather than expecting him to personally lead every campaign activity across the country.

Tinubu’s declaration comes at a critical period when Nigerians are demanding greater attention to economic challenges, security concerns, employment opportunities and improvements in living conditions. His decision to place governance above political engagements signals an attempt to balance the demands of seeking another term with the constitutional responsibilities of his office.

Addressing members of the campaign council, the President acknowledged the advice of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who urged him not to allow political activities to interfere with governance. Tinubu agreed that Nigeria required his attention and stressed that the business of government could not be suspended because of electioneering activities.

The President explained that although he would make time to engage directly with Nigerians during the campaign, party officials must assume responsibility for coordinating political activities across states, local government areas and electoral wards. He maintained that his administration would continue attending to national obligations while the campaign organisation pursued its electoral objectives.

In a direct challenge to APC stakeholders, Tinubu insisted that political loyalty and participation in the campaign council would only become meaningful when translated into electoral success. He urged members to strengthen the party’s structures, mobilise voters and demonstrate their political influence at the grassroots rather than relying solely on presidential popularity.

The campaign council, chaired by Tinubu, has Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as vice-chairmen, while former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari serves as Director-General. Governor Hope Uzodimma is the council’s secretary, with other prominent political figures assigned strategic responsibilities in the nationwide campaign structure.

Meanwhile, the inauguration has generated political reactions, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticising the ruling party’s campaign arrangements and raising concerns about Nigeria’s multiparty democracy. The involvement of political figures associated with different parties has also highlighted the emerging alliances ahead of the presidential contest.

With the APC’s formal campaign flag-off scheduled for October 24 in Kaduna, attention will increasingly turn to how the President balances his political ambitions with the demands of governance. Beyond campaign promises and political mobilisation, the administration’s performance on economic stability, security, infrastructure and public welfare is likely to remain a major issue as Nigerians prepare to make their electoral choices in 2027.