“Nigeria Needs Me More Than Campaigns Do” — Tinubu Tells APC Campaign Council Ahead of 2027 Elections

By Taibat Ummi Yakubu

President Bola Tinubu has told members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council that he will not abandon his governing responsibilities to join them on the campaign trail, insisting that Nigeria needs his attention even as the party prepares for the 2027 general election.

Tinubu made the position clear while inaugurating the party’s Presidential Campaign Council, assuring members that although he would not travel with them to every state and local government area, he would make time to address Nigerians directly during the electioneering period.

The President said he agreed with party leaders who had cautioned him against allowing campaign activities to interfere with the business of governance, stressing that the demands of his office would continue regardless of the political season.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu argued that the presidency could not go on hold simply because political parties were campaigning, noting that the Constitution did not provide for the suspension of government activities during electioneering.

“The responsibility of this office does not pause. That responsibility did not recognise our agenda here today. The Constitution allows INEC to make room for parliament, but not for the campaign. The job must go on,” the President added.

Despite ruling out an extensive presence on the campaign trail, Tinubu assured party members that he would personally engage Nigerians, while the campaign council coordinated the APC's mobilisation efforts across the country.

“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 said.

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The President charged the council with taking his administration’s policies, achievements and future plans to voters, describing the assignment as crucial to the party’s efforts to retain national power in 2027.

He said the inauguration was more than a formal political gathering, describing it as a renewed commitment between the APC and Nigerians.

“The APC is ready. 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. We promise we will not let them down,” Tinubu declared.

He expressed confidence in the party’s preparedness for the election, saying the council would be responsible for communicating its vision, record and agenda to Nigerians in communities across the federation.

“This council will carry our vision, our record, and our agenda to every Nigerian. And it will carry them to victory in every ward of this country. We arrive at this moment strong, united, and renewed,” he said.

Tinubu also acknowledged the contributions of party leaders and members to the APC’s internal processes, including the selection of officials at ward, local government, state and national levels.

Reaffirming his commitment to the party’s manifesto, the President described himself as a servant of the APC and pledged to work towards fulfilling the promises made to Nigerians.

“To me, I am your errand man, I raise my hand with full commitment that we abide by my promises and the manifestos, the objective, the intention of our party. That’s all I give you,” he said.

He urged members of the campaign council to take their responsibilities seriously, emphasising that their ability to communicate the party’s message and mobilise voters would be central to the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general election.