ADC Challenges Tinubu Over 2027 Campaign Plans, Demands Accountability to Nigerians

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his decision not to attend campaign rallies in every state ahead of the 2027 general election, arguing that a president seeking re-election should be prepared to defend his record before voters.

The council’s Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, made the remarks while receiving a delegation of youths under the Young Voters for Atiku (YVA) platform. He described the reported decision as disrespectful to the electorate and claimed that it could create an advantage for the opposition.

Ologbondiyan argued that Nigerians deserve opportunities to question the president about his administration’s performance, particularly on the economy, insecurity, poverty and the rising cost of living. He alleged that the hardships experienced by many households should compel the president to engage directly with citizens rather than rely primarily on other political figures to campaign on his behalf.

The ADC campaign official also dismissed the argument that presidential responsibilities could limit Tinubu’s participation in nationwide rallies. He cited former Nigerian presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, who sought re-election while serving in office, as examples of leaders who combined governance with election campaigns.

The criticism followed Tinubu’s remarks at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja . The president said he would not accompany the campaign team everywhere, explaining that the responsibilities of governing Nigeria required his continued attention. He nevertheless stated that he would make time to address Nigerians directly during the campaign period.

The APC’s position has received further defence from campaign council representatives, who argue that Tinubu should prioritise governance while party officials coordinate mobilisation across the country. The disagreement has therefore centred on whether the president’s decision represents a reasonable balance between governing and campaigning or a missed opportunity to account directly to voters.

Ologbondiyan urged young Nigerians to reject the APC in 2027, presenting former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC’s presidential candidate, as an alternative. He said an ADC administration would focus on economic recovery, wealth creation, improved security and better living conditions. He also pledged that an Atiku-led government would restore fuel subsidy support to reduce petroleum costs.

However, these commitments remain campaign promises, and their feasibility would depend on the policies, funding arrangements and implementation plans of any incoming administration. The ADC’s accusations about Tinubu’s motives also represent the opposition’s political assessment, rather than an independently established explanation for the president’s campaign strategy.

As preparations for the 2027 election continue, the dispute highlights a broader question for Nigeria’s political parties: how candidates intend to explain their records, respond to public concerns and present credible solutions to the country’s economic and security challenges.

For voters, the central issue will be whether the competing parties can demonstrate how their policies would improve living standards, strengthen public safety and restore confidence in government.

The ADC Presidential Campaign Council criticises President Tinubu over his 2027 campaign plans, demanding direct engagement with voters and accountability for his administration’s record.