2027: Tinubu afraid to face Nigerians, has no business seeking re-election — ADC campaign
By Luminous Jannamike, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has criticized President Bola Tinubu for not campaigning in all 36 states ahead of the 2027 election, asserting that this decision demonstrates a lack of respect for the electorate.
The ADC-PCC argues that Tinubu’s absence from extensive campaign efforts could benefit their presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, asserting that Nigerians deserve a leader willing to address concerns, defend his track record, and articulate his plans for the country.
Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC Director of Media and Publicity, made these remarks while meeting with a delegation of young voters under the Young Voters for Atiku (YVA) initiative.
Ologbondiyan stated that a president seeking re-election must engage with voters and be accountable for their performance rather than using official duties as an excuse to forgo nationwide campaigning.
“What President Tinubu has done is a clear act of contempt against the Nigerian people,” Ologbondiyan said. “The APC has a history of disregarding the concerns of Nigerians. How can someone who wants to be re-elected say he does not want to meet the people he aims to govern?”
He dismissed the notion that official responsibilities could hinder Tinubu’s campaigning efforts, citing the campaigning practices of previous Nigerian presidents, such as Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as American political figures like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
“It is untrue and insincere to say that attending to official assignments prevents him from campaigning,” Ologbondiyan said. “Didn’t those former presidents carry out their duties while seeking re-election? Why is Tinubu’s situation any different?”
He suggested that widespread public dissatisfaction stemming from issues related to hunger, poverty, insecurity, and economic challenges may explain the president’s reluctance to engage with the electorate.
“He knows Nigerians are hungry and angry. He understands that the average citizen struggles to meet basic needs and feels insecure,” Ologbondiyan stated. “He has failed on all fronts, which makes him hesitant to confront the Nigerian people.”
Ologbondiyan urged young Nigerians to reject the ruling APC in the upcoming election, cautioning that another term for the party would exacerbate the hardships currently facing citizens.
“I appeal to every young Nigerian to collectively reject hunger, poverty, and insecurity,” he said. “It is time to say enough is enough.”
Describing Atiku as fit and mentally prepared, Ologbondiyan asserted that the former vice president is ready to campaign across the entire country. He pledged that an ADC administration would focus on economic recovery, wealth creation, enhanced security, and improved living standards.
“Atiku Abubakar will bring back subsidies to lower the cost of petroleum products, create wealth, alleviate hunger, secure the nation, and restore our economy,” he said. “He has the experience, capacity, and compassion to guide Nigeria out of its current challenges.”
The ADC-PCC also claimed that the formation of the APC Presidential Campaign Council has inadvertently strengthened its political position, alleging that the event did not receive endorsements from ADC members or supporters.
