MAKINDE CHALLENGES TINUBU TO CAMPAIGN NATIONWIDE OR WITHDRAW FROM 2027 PRESIDENTIAL RACE

By NaijaParrot October 16, 2026 

 ABUJA, NIGERIA — Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to campaign across the country ahead of the 2027 presidential election or reconsider his re-election bid. The challenge came through the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation, which accused the President of avoiding direct engagement with Nigerians amid growing criticism of his administration’s economic policies and performance.

Richard Ihediwa, Director of Strategic Communications for the campaign organisation, said Tinubu’s reported decision not to attend campaign rallies across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory raised questions about his willingness to defend his record before voters. The organisation argued that Nigerians should have the opportunity to hear directly from the President about his policies, campaign promises and the impact of his administration on their lives. It maintained that a candidate seeking another presidential mandate should be prepared to engage the electorate and respond to public concerns. 

 Tinubu had indicated during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council that he might not accompany the campaign team to every state. The President said the responsibilities of governing Nigeria would remain a priority during the election campaign. He also stated that he would still make time to address Nigerians directly, even if he did not attend every rally. His position has triggered political debate over whether a presidential candidate must personally campaign nationwide or whether party officials can represent him at some events. 

 Makinde’s campaign organisation also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the economy, citing the removal of the petrol subsidy, foreign exchange reforms and the cost-of-living crisis. It alleged that many Nigerians were still struggling with rising living costs and questioned whether the administration’s economic policies had delivered sufficient improvements in living standards. The organisation further raised concerns about insecurity and argued that the President should directly account to voters for his administration’s record. These statements represent the campaign organisation’s political assessment; the claims should be considered alongside independently verified economic and security data and the Federal Government’s responses. 

 The controversy raises a broader question about accountability during election campaigns: should a presidential candidate personally visit every state to seek votes, or is it reasonable to prioritise governing responsibilities while campaign officials handle some engagements? Tinubu’s position is that the demands of governance will limit his attendance at some rallies. Makinde’s campaign organisation, however, argues that Nigerians deserve direct engagement with a candidate seeking another four-year mandate. Ultimately, voters will have to assess the candidates’ explanations, records in office and policy proposals as the 2027 election approaches. 

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