Tinubu to Skip Campaign Rallies in Over 20 States, Opposition Kicks
President Bola Tinubu is expected to miss campaign rallies in more than 20 states as the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares to commence its re-election campaign in Kaduna State on October 24, 2026.
The party’s campaign timetable, released late Thursday, indicates that APC leaders and members of the presidential campaign council will represent the President at several rallies across the country, while Tinubu is scheduled to make personal appearances in 12 states.
According to the schedule, Tinubu will be absent from 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 in Rivers State on November 7.
The President will also miss rallies in Ebonyi on November 9, Jigawa on November 10, Ondo on November 11 and Edo on November 12 before returning to the campaign trail in Plateau State on November 14.
Other rallies he is scheduled to miss include those in Yobe on November 16, Kebbi on November 17, Akwa Ibom on November 18 and Anambra on November 19.
Tinubu is expected to participate in 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. He will be absent from the rally in Benue on November 30.
The campaign is expected to continue into December, with rallies scheduled for Sokoto on December 5, Delta on December 12 and Kano on December 17.
The President’s final two scheduled campaign appearances are in Adamawa on January 4, 2027, and Lagos on January 9. APC leaders are expected to represent him at rallies in other states and the Federal Capital Territory during the campaign period.
Tinubu Cites Governance Responsibilities
Tinubu had earlier indicated that he would not attend every APC campaign rally, explaining that he must balance electioneering with his responsibilities as President.
Speaking on Wednesday at the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, he stressed that the country still required his attention, suggesting that official duties would limit his participation in some campaign activities.
He nevertheless pledged to make time to address Nigerians directly as party leaders canvass support for his re-election across states and local government areas.
Opposition Questions President’s Absence
The planned absences have drawn criticism from opposition figures, who have questioned the President’s readiness to engage voters directly throughout the campaign.
The Allied Peoples Movement called on Tinubu to attend rallies in all states or withdraw from the presidential race.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, one of the prominent opposition figures seeking the presidency in 2027, also alleged that Tinubu was avoiding direct engagement with voters because of his administration’s performance.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku questioned the President’s explanation that governance responsibilities could prevent him from attending some rallies.
“Tinubu says he may miss campaign rallies because Nigeria needs his attention. Where was that urgency when Nigerians pleaded for relief?” Atiku asked.
He argued that the administration had spent three and a half years in office during which many Nigerians had struggled with rising living costs, reduced purchasing power and difficulties accessing healthcare.
Atiku maintained that the President should account for his first term before seeking another mandate.
The APC’s timetable suggests that the ruling party will rely substantially on its campaign council and other senior party officials to reach voters in states where Tinubu is not scheduled to appear personally.
