Tinubu's Shocking Campaign Snub: 'I Won't Go Everywhere!'

The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, inaugurated a campaign council in Abuja, tasked with leading the ruling party’s election campaign. During the inauguration, President Tinubu explicitly directed the council members to actively disseminate the party's message to Nigerians across various states and local government areas, emphasizing that his primary focus would remain on the demanding responsibilities of governance. He acknowledged and fully agreed with the widespread concerns from those who had cautioned against allowing the rigors of electioneering to divert his attention from the crucial task of administering the country, stating unequivocally, "Nigeria needs more attention now."

President Tinubu elaborated on the pressing financial obligations facing his administration, including the necessity to settle outstanding bills and meet international financial commitments. These critical responsibilities, he explained, would necessitate his limited presence on the campaign trail. He candidly requested the council members to excuse his absence from some of their campaign engagements, reiterating the urgency, "So, you will excuse me from going everywhere with you, we have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait." Beyond these immediate financial concerns, the President also underscored his government's strategic objective to attract and secure long-term investments from serious investors committed to Nigeria’s future and its children.

Despite his reduced direct involvement in campaign activities, President Tinubu assured the Nigerian populace that this would not sever his connection with them. He pledged to carve out time to engage directly with Nigerians, even as the council members spearhead the campaign efforts nationwide. He characterized the inauguration event as profoundly significant, transcending a mere routine party gathering. Instead, he framed it as a powerful reaffirmation of a covenant with the Nigerian people and a solemn renewal of the historic responsibilities entrusted to the ruling party.

Furthermore, President Tinubu articulated the council’s core mandate: to effectively present the administration's overarching vision, its tangible achievements, and its future agenda to the electorate throughout the country. He expressed confidence that "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." The President also took the opportunity to commend the party members for the successful completion of the All Progressives Congress (APC) congresses. He specifically noted that despite external predictions of internal crises during the exercise, the party emerged united, a testament to the dedication of members from the ward level up 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 proudly stated.