Tinubu Says He Won't Join Every APC Campaign Rally for 2027

President Bola Tinubu has announced that he will not attend every campaign event for the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general election. He said he needs to focus on governance, economic duties, and attracting investors to Nigeria.

Tinubu made this statement on Wednesday in Abuja. He was inaugurating the APC Presidential Campaign Council. He urged council members to lead the party's mobilization efforts across Nigeria while he takes care of state matters.

The President acknowledged concerns that the election campaign should not distract him from his governing duties. He emphasized that Nigeria needs his attention right now.

"You’ve warned 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," Tinubu said.

He then explained that he might not be able to attend every campaign event. He pointed out Nigeria's financial responsibilities and obligations to foreign creditors.

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

Tinubu also highlighted the need to attract investors who want to set up sustainable businesses in Nigeria. He wants them to make long-term commitments to the country’s economic growth.

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

Even though he plans to limit his campaign appearances, the President assured Nigerians that he would still look for chances to speak to them directly. The council will handle activities at the state and local government levels.

"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.

During the inauguration, Tinubu described the event as a key political commitment. He said it goes beyond just setting up a campaign structure. It represents a renewed promise to Nigerians and the responsibilities of the APC as the ruling party.

"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.

He urged the council members to communicate the administration’s vision, achievements, and policy plans to voters. He expressed confidence that they could help the party win.

"This council will carry our vision, our records and our agenda to every Nigerian, and it will carry them to victory every ward of this country," Tinubu said.

The President congratulated party members on completing the APC congresses. He recalled fears that the process could lead to a serious internal crisis.

According to him, the party successfully dealt with the expected challenges and finished the congresses, with members participating from the ward level to the national leadership.

"They said there will be implosion. We passed through it. We did not fail. You didn’t let us down. We got here together," he said.

He also urged council members to secure votes in their wards for the 2027 general election. He stressed that their contributions would not matter until they deliver at the polls.

"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," he said.

The President expressed gratitude to party members for their support in the last election. He said this inauguration is more than just a formal gathering. It shows a renewed commitment to Nigerians.

"The APC is ready. We have not gathered merely to inaugurate a council; we have gathered to renew a covenant, a covenant with the Nigerian people and the historic responsibility they have entrusted to us as Nigeria’s governing party. We promise we will not let them down," he said.

Tinubu expressed confidence in the party's ability to win and asked members if they were prepared for the work ahead.

"I celebrate you. I celebrate you, no doubt about that. Nigeria will continue to celebrate you. You will see the joy of this victory. You will share in the joy," he said.