The Presidential Campaign Organisation of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has challenged President Bola Tinubu to campaign across the country ahead of the 2027 presidential election or withdraw from the race.
The organisation was reacting to Tinubu’s recent indication that he may not attend every campaign rally, citing the demands of governance and the need to remain focused on the responsibilities of the presidency.
In a statement issued by its Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation said a president seeking re-election should be prepared to personally defend his record before Nigerians.
The group alleged that Tinubu’s decision to limit his participation in the nationwide campaign reflected concerns about public reaction to his administration’s performance. It also criticised the Federal Government over what it described as worsening economic hardship, electricity challenges and insecurity.
The campaign organisation argued that Nigerians should have the opportunity to question the President directly about his policies, promises and achievements before deciding whether to give him another mandate.
“If President Tinubu is so fatigued that he cannot go round the country to canvass for votes, then he should withdraw from the race,” the organisation said.
The group also accused the Tinubu administration of worsening living conditions through policies including the removal of petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira. These claims are the campaign organisation’s assessment of the administration and have been disputed by supporters of the Federal Government.
Tinubu had earlier explained that he might not accompany the APC campaign team to every state because of his responsibilities as President. He said governance could not be suspended because of electioneering and that Nigeria required his attention, including meeting financial obligations and attracting long-term investment.
Despite his planned limited participation, the APC has released a nationwide campaign timetable covering the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with Tinubu expected to lead rallies in some states.
The Makinde campaign organisation, meanwhile, promoted the Allied Peoples Movement presidential candidate’s proposed “Reset Nigeria” agenda as an alternative ahead of the 2027 election.
The development adds to the growing political exchanges ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with opposition groups demanding greater direct engagement from the President while the APC continues preparations for its re-election campaign.