President Bola Tinubu is expected to miss campaign rallies in more than 20 states as the All Progressives Congress (APC) begins its nationwide campaign for his re-election ahead of the 2027 general election.

Under the party’s campaign timetable, APC leaders and members of the Presidential Campaign Council will represent the President at several rallies, while Tinubu is scheduled to attend campaign events in 12 states.

The nationwide campaign is expected to kick off in Kaduna State on October 24, 2026, as the ruling party intensifies efforts to secure another presidential mandate for Tinubu.

According to the timetable, the President will not attend rallies in Cross River on November 2, Gombe on November 3, Nasarawa on November 4 and Ekiti on November 5. He is, however, expected to join the campaign train in Rivers State on November 7.

Tinubu is also scheduled to miss rallies in Ebonyi on November 9, Jigawa on November 10, Ondo on November 11 and Edo on November 12.

He is expected to return to the campaign trail in Plateau State on November 14, before skipping rallies in Yobe on November 16, Kebbi on November 17, Akwa Ibom on November 18 and Anambra on November 19.

The President is scheduled to attend the rally in Oyo State on November 21, followed by campaign events in Borno on November 25, Enugu on November 28 and Bauchi on November 29.

For the November 30 rally in Benue State, APC leaders and campaign officials are expected to represent him.

Tinubu Cites Governance Responsibilities

The campaign timetable comes after Tinubu explained that he would not attend every APC rally, citing the demands of governance and the need to keep the country’s affairs running while electioneering activities continue.

Speaking on Wednesday during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President said his constitutional responsibilities would not be suspended because of the campaign.

“Nigeria needs more attention now than ever before. The responsibility of this office does not pause,” Tinubu said.

He added that he would continue to engage Nigerians directly but would leave campaign officials to coordinate activities across states and local government areas.

“So, you will excuse me from going everywhere with you; we have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait,” he said.

Tinubu also emphasized the importance of attracting investors willing to make long-term commitments to Nigeria, indicating that economic management would remain a priority during the campaign period.

The President said he agreed with party members who advised him against allowing campaign activities to distract him from governance.

APC Mobilises for 2027 Election

The APC has positioned the Presidential Campaign Council as the central structure for coordinating its nationwide campaign and promoting the administration’s policies and achievements.

At the council’s inauguration, party leaders urged members to strengthen grassroots mobilisation, engage communities and explain the government’s record to voters.

Vice President Kashim Shettima criticised opposition politicians seeking to unseat Tinubu, questioning their ability to manage Nigeria’s diverse interests when some were struggling to maintain unity within their political parties.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also urged APC governors to remain focused on their responsibilities to their states rather than pursuing other political ambitions before completing their constitutionally permitted tenures.

Meanwhile, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda called on the campaign team to acknowledge the administration’s challenges while explaining its policies, achievements and future plans to Nigerians.

The party’s campaign schedule extends beyond November, with further rallies planned across the country before the presidential election in 2027.

Although Tinubu is expected to attend rallies in only 12 states under the current timetable, the APC plans to deploy senior party officials and campaign council members to mobilise support in other states.

The timetable remains subject to possible changes.