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President Bola Tinubu said he will not accompany campaigners to every rally ahead of the 2027 general election, saying Nigeria’s urgent challenges require sustained presidential attention.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja while inaugurating the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, the President said the government’s responsibilities would continue throughout the electioneering period.
He endorsed party leaders’ advice that he should focus on governance while the council spearheads mobilisation across states, local government areas and wards.
“I hear you. I am in full agreement with your decision. Nigeria needs more attention now than ever before. The responsibility of this office does not pause,” he said.
The President said outstanding financial obligations and the need to attract investment made it imperative to keep government business moving.
He said although he would address Nigerians directly, he would not visit every campaign ground.
“The job must go on,” he said. “We have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait. We want those investors to come in, be here to stay, to invest for the future of our children.”
Charging the council to take the administration’s record and plans to voters nationwide, the President said the party must demonstrate its readiness for the election through effective mobilisation.
“Let the word go out from this hall to every corner of our nation. The APC is ready,” he said.
He described the inauguration as a renewal of the governing party’s obligations to Nigerians.
“We have gathered not merely to inaugurate a council. We have gathered to renew a covenant with the Nigerian people and the historic responsibility they have thrust on us as Nigeria’s governing party. We promise we will not let them down,” he said.
The President also challenged governors, lawmakers and other APC leaders to secure support in their constituencies, warning that previous electoral contributions would not substitute for results in the coming contest.
“No one gets credit for an incomplete assignment. So until you deliver the next election, until you deliver your wards, until you deliver the votes, before we can say thank you,” he said.
On women’s participation in politics, the President pledged support for legislation to increase their representation in the National Assembly and state legislatures.
“Women are the greatest mobilisers and voters. And from this hall, I assure you, the sponsorship of the bill,” he said.
He urged women to pursue greater political representation, assuring them of his backing.
“The women deserve seats. Go and work for it, come to fruition. We increase the number of women representation at both National Assembly and sub-national level. I assure you that,” he said.
The President also reiterated his support for state police as part of efforts to address insecurity.
“On security, state police will be a reality,” he said.
He commended the APC leadership for conducting congresses and strengthening party structures from the wards to the national level.
Urging members to approach their responsibilities with determination, the President recalled efforts during his tenure as Lagos State governor to tackle the threat of flooding from the Atlantic Ocean.
“There is no limit to daring. You must dare, you must be determined,” he said.
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