“Excuse Me From Going Everywhere” – Tinubu Tells APC Campaign Council
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has told members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council that he will not join them at every campaign stop ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, during the formal inauguration of the council at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, the President said the demands of governance must take priority.
“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 than ever before. The responsibility of this office does not pause,” Tinubu said.
He then made the remark that has dominated discussion of the event: “So, you will excuse me from going everywhere with you; we have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait.”
Tinubu explained that the administration must continue meeting financial obligations and attracting long-term investors. He assured the council, however, that he would still create time to speak directly to Nigerians even as the campaign structure takes the lead in the states and local government areas.
The APC Presidential Campaign Council is chaired by the President, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and the party’s National Chairman serving as vice-chairmen. Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari is the Director-General, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma serves as Secretary.
Tinubu charged members of the council to carry the party’s record, vision and agenda to every ward across the country. He stressed that previous electoral efforts would not count until the next election is delivered, telling them that credit comes only after votes are secured at the grassroots.
The President framed the inauguration as more than a routine party exercise. He described it as a renewal of the APC’s covenant with Nigerians and a reaffirmation of the responsibilities that come with being the governing party.
While the decision to limit personal campaign appearances has drawn mixed reactions, Tinubu presented it as a deliberate choice driven by the need to keep the machinery of government running without interruption. The council has been tasked with leading mobilisation nationwide, with the President indicating he will participate selectively rather than on a full national tour.
The formal charging of the campaign council marks the start of organised APC mobilisation for the 2027 presidential election, scheduled for January.
