President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has told members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council that they should not expect him at every rally as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections, citing the need to prioritise governance, debt obligations, and attracting long-term investors.
Tinubu's Address at Council Inauguration
Speaking on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in Abuja during the inauguration of the council, Tinubu said Nigeria's financial commitments and the demands of governance would limit how often he could join campaign activities. According to The Punch, the President acknowledged the council's advice that the rigour of campaigning should not distract him from his duties.
"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 why his absence from many campaign events would be necessary, pointing directly to the country's debt obligations. "So, you will excuse me from going everywhere with you; we have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait," he stated.
Focus on Investors and Direct Communication with Nigerians
Beyond the campaign trail, Tinubu used the occasion to reiterate his commitment to attracting long-term foreign investment into Nigeria, describing this work as essential to the nation's future. "We want those investors to come in, be here to stay, to invest for the future of our children," he said.
Despite limiting his appearances at rallies, the President assured Nigerians that he would still find time to speak directly to them. "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 told the council members.
APC's Covenant with Nigerians and Party Unity
Tinubu framed the inauguration as more than a procedural event, describing it as a renewed pledge between the ruling party and the Nigerian public. "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," he said.
He charged council members to carry the administration's record and policy agenda to every ward in the country, warning that incomplete work would earn no credit. "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," the President said.
Tinubu also congratulated party members on completing the APC congresses, which some had predicted would cause a major internal split. He noted that the party had held together from ward level up to the national leadership despite those fears. "They said there would be implosion. We passed through it. We did not fail. You didn't let us down. We got here together," he said.
He closed by expressing confidence that the council would deliver victory for the party in 2027.
Adeleke's Show of Support
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke publicly declared his support for President Tinubu's return to Aso Rock in 2027. Adeleke made the pledge at the inauguration of the Tinubu/APC Campaign Council on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Before taking the stage, Adeleke danced to a Davido song, drawing cheers from the crowd at the event.
