President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the newly inaugurated All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council not to expect him at every campaign stop across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that economic recovery and state duties take precedence over political rallies.
Speaking on Wednesday evening, October 14, 2026, during the formal inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council held at the State House Banquet Hall in Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu stressed that the responsibilities of his office cannot pause for electioneering.
Addressing party leaders, governors, and campaign officials, President Tinubu explained that managing the nation’s fiscal obligations and attracting foreign direct investment require continuous executive focus.
”You will excuse me from going everywhere with you. We have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait. We want those investors to come in, be here to stay, and invest for the future of our children. The job must go on,” President Tinubu stated.
The President acknowledged a recommendation made earlier by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, who advised the President to guard against letting campaign rigors distract from key policy reforms.
”You have warned me and asked me not to allow the rigours of the campaign to distract me from governance. I hear you, and I am in full agreement,” Tinubu added. “Nigeria needs more attention now than ever before. The responsibility of this office does not pause.”
While excusing himself from exhaustive nationwide tours, President Tinubu assured party members that he would still make time for key engagements and directly communicate his administration’s achievements to citizens. He tasked council officials with driving the campaign directly to the grassroots across all 36 states, local government areas, and wards.
The APC Presidential Campaign Council is headed by former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari as Director-General. The council is scheduled to officially launch its nationwide campaign tour in Kaduna State on October 24, 2026.
Prominent political figures in attendance included Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, as well as non-APC leaders backing the re-election bid such as FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, and Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Speaking at the event, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka and Campaign Council Spokesperson Tunde Rahman re-emphasized that the administration’s focus remains anchored on consolidating ongoing macroeconomic reforms, ensuring political activities do not disrupt public governance or economic recovery initiatives.
