The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said President Bola Tinubu does not need to attend every campaign event ahead of the 2027 presidential election, insisting that the party has capable leaders who can effectively handle campaign activities.
The party was reacting to comments by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, who reportedly faulted Tinubu for excusing himself from some activities on the 2027 presidential campaign itinerary.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Lagos APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, described Adebayo’s criticism as an attempt to manufacture controversy, arguing that the President’s campaign arrangements reflected confidence in the party’s political machinery.
Oladejo said Tinubu’s political record, national reach and leadership experience demonstrated his credentials, adding that the President had a team of experienced politicians capable of handling assigned responsibilities.
He said the APC had an extensive national network, experienced political strategists, elected representatives and party administrators, which gave it an organisational advantage over other political parties.
The spokesman urged Adebayo to focus on his own political experience and the SDP’s electoral structure rather than criticising the President’s campaign plans.
According to him, aspiring to become Nigeria’s President requires more than public appearances, media engagements and criticism of an incumbent. He said candidates must demonstrate experience in public administration, economic management, national security and other critical areas of governance.
Oladejo also questioned Adebayo’s public service record and the SDP’s capacity to mobilise voters nationwide and sustain an effective government if elected.
“These are not peripheral questions. They go to the very heart of presidential readiness,” he said, arguing that candidates should explain how they intend to address the country’s challenges rather than focus on their opponents’ campaign strategies.
The APC spokesman maintained that presidential elections were determined by political organisation, national reach, credible policies, effective mobilisation and voters’ confidence in a candidate’s ability to govern.
He added that Tinubu’s absence from particular campaign events would not diminish his standing or undermine the APC’s responsibility to mobilise support for his re-election.
Oladejo further argued that the President had responsibilities beyond campaigning, including managing the economy, addressing national security concerns, developing infrastructure and maintaining international relations.
He said governance should not be abandoned because an election was approaching, describing demands for the President to attend every campaign event as inconsistent with the responsibilities of his office.
The spokesman, however, acknowledged the importance of political campaigns, saying Tinubu and the APC understood the need to communicate the administration’s achievements, explain policy decisions and present plans for the future.
He challenged Adebayo and the SDP to explain what they would do differently, how they intended to finance their promises and why Nigerians should trust them with the country’s future.
Oladejo said the APC was prepared to defend its record, acknowledge outstanding challenges and seek a renewed mandate based on its programme and vision.
He maintained that the 2027 presidential election would be determined by leadership, experience, political organisation and competing visions for Nigeria, rather than controversy over the President’s campaign schedule.
“The APC will campaign when, where and how it considers appropriate,” Oladejo said, adding that the party had the political structures and experienced leaders needed to mobilise support across the country.
