2027 Elections: Nigerians Split As Tinubu Says APC Leaders Can Campaign For Him

By BIMBO ADEYEMI

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu’s decision not to accompany his campaign team to every state ahead of the 2027 general elections has triggered mixed reactions across Nigeria. While some citizens support his plan to prioritise governance, others insist that he must personally defend his record before seeking another term.

Tinubu announced the decision on Wednesday 14 October, during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He argued that governing the country requires his attention and that party leaders could take his campaign message to voters nationwide.

However, the announcement has intensified debate over the responsibilities of an incumbent seeking re-election. For critics, campaign appearances provide an opportunity to explain government policies and answer questions about their effects on ordinary Nigerians.

Nigerians Express Divergent Views

Reactions from residents across the country reflect sharply different perspectives. Nobert Okolie, a resident of Enugu State, questioned whether Tinubu could withstand the demands of a nationwide campaign. Nevertheless, he argued that APC governors and other party leaders could represent the President at some rallies.

In contrast, David West, Bayelsa State chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation, urged Tinubu to visit all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He maintained that voters deserved to hear directly from the President, particularly about his administration’s performance.

West also questioned whether health concerns influenced the decision. However, neither the President’s announcement, as reported, nor the reactions presented established that a medical condition was responsible.

Similarly, commercial motorcyclist Cosmos Mbatsaav, popularly known as Okader, in Makurdi, Benue State, argued that Tinubu should personally present his manifesto and explain what he would offer Nigerians in a second term.

Meanwhile, Aliyu Balarabe, a resident of Maiduguri, Borno State, linked the decision to insecurity and economic hardship. He alleged that the President was reluctant to face questions about his record, although his assertions represented his personal assessment rather than established evidence.

Other residents defended Tinubu’s position. Sulaiman Abubakar, from Bomala in Gombe State, said the President could rely on his campaign team, while Samuel Ogunseyila of Akure, Ondo State, suggested that age and physical demands might influence the decision. A resident of Ado-Ekiti identified as Mr. Ayo also supported the use of party representatives, while urging the government to ensure that its policies benefited ordinary citizens.

Atiku Demands a Personal Account of Government Performance

Opposition criticism has added another dimension to the debate. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), argued that Tinubu must personally account for the decisions and promises of his administration.

In a statement issued by his campaign communication team, Atiku questioned the President’s explanation that governance required him to limit his campaign travel. He argued that Nigerians facing rising living costs and difficulties accessing healthcare deserved direct answers about government policy.

According to Atiku, campaign representatives could communicate the administration’s message but could not assume responsibility for decisions made by the President. He also criticised the inauguration of the APC campaign council at the Presidential Villa, arguing that partisan activities should remain separate from the seat of government.

Obi Says Accountability Cannot Be Delegated

Peter Obi, identified in the report as a presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), also challenged Tinubu’s position. He argued that the President could not rely entirely on political allies to defend his record while seeking another mandate.

Obi urged Tinubu to explain the effects of his policies on food prices, transport costs, electricity, housing and household incomes. He maintained that voters should assess the President’s own performance rather than rely solely on campaign promises delivered by party officials.

His criticism echoed Atiku’s central argument: representatives may speak for a candidate, but voters ultimately hold the officeholder accountable for decisions taken in government.

Other Opposition Groups Question the Strategy

The Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation also criticised the plan. In a statement signed by its Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, the organisation alleged that Tinubu was avoiding voters because of dissatisfaction with his administration.

The group cited concerns over electricity, insecurity, poverty, petrol subsidy removal and naira policy. It also raised questions about a reported reference by Tinubu to himself as “Governor Tinubu” during the campaign council inauguration. These points formed part of the organisation’s political criticism and did not independently establish its allegations about the President’s fitness or motives.

Likewise, the Labour Party argued that Tinubu owed Nigerians a direct explanation of his administration’s record. Its publicity secretary, Eluma Asogwa, questioned why the President would not personally campaign after returning from an extended stay abroad described by the Presidency as a vacation.

Asogwa called on Tinubu to explain the outcomes of petrol subsidy removal and naira reforms. He also criticised the use of the Presidential Villa for a partisan event and urged opposition parties to mobilise voters ahead of the election.

Campaign Strategy & Voter Expectations

Ultimately, the dispute raises questions about how an incumbent should balance the demands of governing with the responsibilities of seeking re-election. Tinubu’s position is that APC leaders can carry his message while he continues to oversee national affairs. His critics, however, argue that direct engagement allows voters to question him about policies and results.

As the 2027 election approaches, the debate is likely to remain part of the wider contest over economic performance, public trust and political accountability. Whether Tinubu eventually visits every state or relies on party representatives, voters will still have to assess his record and the competing claims made by his supporters and opponents.