Tinubu Tells Campaign Council Nigeria Needs His Attention, Says He Won’t Attend Every Rally

President Bola Tinubu has warned members of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council not to let the demands of the 2027 election campaign distract him from governing the country.

Speaking at the inauguration of the council on Wednesday at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, Tinubu said he was in full agreement with party leaders who advised him to prioritise governance over campaign activities.

“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,” Tinubu said.

The President said the responsibility of his office would not pause because of the election, adding that the Constitution allows the Independent National Electoral Commission to make room for parliament but not for the campaign.

“The responsibility of this office does not pause. That responsibility did not recognise our agenda here today. The job must go on,” he stated.

Tinubu told council members they should not expect him to accompany them to every campaign event, citing Nigeria’s financial obligations and the need to attract long-term investors.

“So, you will excuse me from going everywhere with you. We have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait,” the President said.

He added that his government needed to attract investors willing to make long-term commitments to Nigeria’s economic development.

“We want those investors to come in, be here to stay, to invest for the future of our children,” he said.

Despite limiting his campaign trail appearances, Tinubu assured Nigerians he would still make time to speak directly with them while the campaign council leads mobilisation across states and local government areas.

“However, I will still make time to speak directly with Nigerians, even as you lead the campaign in the states and local government areas,” he said.

The President also charged the council to deliver votes at the ward level, warning that no one would receive credit for an incomplete assignment.

“No one gets credit for an incomplete assignment. So, until you deliver the next election, until you deliver your wards, until you deliver the votes, before we can say thank you,” Tinubu said.

He described the inauguration as more than a routine party event, saying it marked a renewed covenant with Nigerians.

“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.

The campaign council is chaired by Tinubu, with Vice President Kashim Shettima as First Vice Chairman and APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as Second Vice Chairman. Senator Abdulaziz Yari serves as Director-General, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma is Secretary.

The inauguration was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and several governors including Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, both of whom belong to different political parties.