The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council has accused President Bola Tinubu of showing contempt for Nigerians over reports that he may not campaign across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The council described the reported decision as an insult to voters, arguing that a president seeking re-election should be willing to meet Nigerians, defend his record and explain his plans for another term.
The ADC-PCC Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, made the remarks while receiving a delegation of youths under the Young Voters for Atiku group.
Ologbondiyan said the ADC’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was ready to visit all 36 states and the FCT to engage voters and present his plans for the country.
He argued that Tinubu’s reported reluctance to campaign nationwide could give Atiku an advantage, adding that the former vice-president was physically and mentally prepared for an extensive campaign.
“What President Tinubu has done is a clear act of contempt against the Nigerian people. The APC is known for its contempt for Nigerians,” Ologbondiyan said.
He questioned why Tinubu would seek another term without personally engaging voters across the country, particularly amid widespread concerns over economic hardship and insecurity.
The ADC-PCC spokesman also rejected the suggestion that official responsibilities could prevent the President from campaigning nationwide.
He cited former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, arguing that they had continued their official duties while seeking re-election.
Ologbondiyan also referenced political campaigns in the United States, asking why Tinubu’s situation should be different.
He alleged that the President was reluctant to face voters because of public dissatisfaction with hunger, poverty, insecurity and the state of the economy.
However, the claims about Tinubu’s campaign plans and the reasons behind them were presented by the ADC-PCC and were not independently established in the statement.
The opposition campaign council urged Nigerians, particularly young voters, to reject the APC in 2027, arguing that another term for the ruling party would prolong the hardship facing citizens.
“A president who is afraid to face his own people has no business asking for their votes,” Ologbondiyan declared.
He promised that an Atiku-led administration would prioritise economic recovery, wealth creation, national security and improved living standards.
Ologbondiyan also said Atiku would restore fuel subsidy to reduce the cost of petroleum products, create wealth and tackle hunger.
The statement comes as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general election, with the ADC-PCC seeking to present Atiku as an alternative to Tinubu’s administration.
