President Bola Tinubu has decided against a full campaign tour across Nigeria as the 2027 race gathers speed. The move is widely seen as a way to steer clear of the North where many people are waiting fervently for him.
Tinubu told the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council that he would not travel with them to every location. He said the work of governing the country must come first. Nigeria needs his full attention right now. The nation has bills to settle including those owed to American creditors. It also needs to draw in investors ready to commit money for the long term so that children and grandchildren benefit.
APC governors have pushed a plan that keeps Tinubu mostly off the daily trail. State leaders and party officials would run most rallies and local mobilisation. The president would appear only at carefully chosen events. This differs from earlier plans for him to visit each of the six geopolitical zones at least once. A recent North Central gathering in Nasarawa State already went ahead without him.
The limited role reflects real worries about his standing in the North along with the South South and South East. Large crowds also bring risks of verbal slips or incidents that opponents could exploit. Past campaign moments showed how quickly such things turn into attacks.
A recent public discussion featuring former National Health Insurance Scheme executive secretary Prof Usman Yusuf laid out why many in the North feel uneasy. The region delivered the majority of Tinubu votes in 2023 yet residents see appointments heavily tilted toward the South West. Ongoing insecurity and economic hardship add to the sense of neglect. These feelings explain why fervent crowds are expected wherever the president shows up.
Vice President Kashim Shettima and northern party figures are still working to build support. They point to infrastructure projects, farm inputs, and other gains for the region. Some northern voices have pledged strong votes and open arms for campaign events.
Opposition groups argue the limited tour shows reluctance to face public anger over economic conditions. They say a president focused on governance would still want to meet voters and answer for results. Tinubu has rejected early campaigning claims and said no politician stays silent when others organise to unseat him.
The strategy leaves most grassroots work to governors and local structures while the president stays insulated from day to day activities. He is expected to address Nigerians directly at select moments such as a national flag off and a final rally. Whether the approach shields him from northern sentiment or simply manages the demands of office remains a central question as the 2027 contest takes shape.
