If Tinubu Is Too Fatigued to Campaign, He Should Withdraw’ — Makinde’s Campaign Organisation
The presidential campaign organisation of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has challenged President Bola Tinubu to campaign directly before Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election, arguing that he should withdraw from the race if he is unwilling or unable to canvass for votes nationwide.
The organisation made the call in a statement issued on Thursday, October 15, 2026, and signed by its Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa.
The reaction followed Tinubu’s reported indication that he might not personally accompany the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign team to rallies across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The President reportedly said he intended to prioritise governance rather than spend the campaign period travelling across the country with the campaign council.
However, Makinde’s campaign organisation argued that a presidential candidate seeking another term should be prepared to defend his administration’s record directly before voters.
“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 in its statement.
The organisation accused the President of avoiding direct engagement with Nigerians amid dissatisfaction over economic conditions, insecurity and the administration’s performance.
It argued that nationwide campaigning would provide an opportunity for voters to assess Tinubu’s policies, question his decisions and determine whether his government had fulfilled its promises.
The group also criticised the administration’s handling of electricity supply, economic reforms and security challenges, maintaining that these issues should feature prominently in the President’s engagement with the electorate.
The allegations represent the position of Makinde’s campaign organisation and have not been independently established as reasons for Tinubu’s reported decision to limit his participation in nationwide rallies.
The dispute comes as political parties and campaign organisations step up preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
Tinubu is seeking re-election under the APC, while Makinde’s campaign organisation is promoting the governor’s political platform and its proposed Reset Nigeria Agenda.
The campaign group has presented Makinde as an alternative candidate, arguing that he is willing to travel across the country to meet voters and discuss his policy proposals.
Tinubu’s reported position has also prompted wider debate about whether a presidential candidate must personally attend rallies across the country or can rely partly on campaign officials and political allies to represent the party.
For voters, the issue raises questions about campaign accessibility, accountability and how candidates communicate their records and plans before an election.
While campaign strategies differ, candidates remain responsible for presenting their policies and seeking public support within the rules governing the electoral process.
As the 2027 contest approaches, further statements from the presidency, the APC and opposition campaign organisations are likely to shape the debate over candidates’ participation in nationwide campaigns and their engagement with voters.