2027: Tinubu Says Governance Won’t Take Back Seat As APC Inaugurates Campaign Council

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that governance will remain a priority as he seeks re-election in 2027, saying he will not allow campaign activities to distract him from his responsibilities as president.

Tinubu gave the assurance on Wednesday during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The president said he agreed with party leaders who advised him against allowing electioneering to interfere with the business of governing the country.

“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 added that the responsibilities of his office would continue despite the demands of the election season.

“The responsibility of this office does not pause,” the president said, according to reports of his remarks at the event.

He, however, said he would still make time to address Nigerians directly while the campaign council coordinated activities across states and local government areas.

The president’s comments came as the ruling party formalised its campaign structure ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Tinubu said he would not accompany party officials on every campaign tour, indicating that the council would lead mobilisation efforts across the country while he balanced those activities with his presidential duties.

The decision followed an appeal by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who serves as secretary of the campaign council and chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum.

Uzodimma urged the president to leave the bulk of campaign activities to the council, arguing that the administration’s reform programmes required his continued attention.

According to reports of his remarks, the governor warned that electioneering could consume the attention of political leaders and asked Tinubu to remain focused on governing.

He said the administration’s reforms needed sustained attention to deliver their intended benefits, adding that Nigerians would be better served by a president who continued to concentrate on government business.

Uzodimma also described the 2027 election as a referendum on the administration’s economic reforms, arguing that voters would have to decide whether to sustain the policies or pursue a different direction.

The inauguration brought together APC leaders, governors, members of the National Working Committee and other political figures supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The president chairs the campaign council, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda serving as vice-chairmen.

Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari was appointed director-general, while Uzodimma serves as secretary.

At the inauguration, Tinubu urged members of the council to work towards securing votes for the party at the grassroots.

He stressed that the council’s performance would ultimately be measured by its ability to deliver electoral support.

The APC is preparing for a nationwide campaign, with a rally scheduled to take place in Kaduna on October 24, according to an earlier announcement by Yari.

The campaign activities are expected to involve party leaders, elected officials and mobilisation structures across the states.

Some of the political figures associated with the campaign include Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.

Their participation reflects the campaign’s effort to build support beyond the APC’s established political structures.

Adeleke, who was elected governor of Osun State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, expressed support for Tinubu’s re-election at the inauguration, according to Tribune Online’s report.

Soludo, a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, also backed a second term for the president, while Wike was assigned a campaign coordination role covering Rivers State.

Their involvement does not change their respective political affiliations but places them among the political figures supporting Tinubu’s 2027 bid.

The APC has presented continuity with its economic reforms as a central argument for seeking another term.

However, Tinubu’s pledge to maintain his governing responsibilities comes as his administration faces the task of demonstrating that its policies are improving the economic circumstances of Nigerians.

The president said the work of government would continue alongside preparations for the election.