President Bola Tinubu has told members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council not to expect him to accompany them to every campaign event ahead of the 2027 general election, citing the need to prioritise governance and Nigeria’s economic obligations.

Tinubu made the declaration on Wednesday during the inauguration of the council in Abuja, where he urged party leaders and members to take the APC’s message to voters across the states, local government areas and wards while he continued to focus on national affairs.

The President said he agreed with concerns that campaign activities should not distract him from governance, stressing that Nigeria required his attention at a critical time.

“You’ve warned me not to allow the rigour of the campaign to distract me from governance, I hear you. I am in full agreement with your decision. Nigeria needs more attention now,” he said.

Explaining his decision not to attend every campaign event, Tinubu added: “So, you will excuse me from going everywhere with you, we have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait.”

He also emphasised the need to attract investors willing to commit to long-term investments in Nigeria, saying such investments would contribute to the country's development and secure a better future for younger generations.

“We want those investors to come in, be here to stay, to invest for the future of our children,” he said.

Despite his planned absence from some campaign activities, Tinubu assured Nigerians that he would continue to engage directly with them while the campaign council coordinated mobilisation efforts across the country.

“However, I will still make time to speak directly with Nigerians, even as you lead the campaign in the states and local government areas,” he said.

Describing the inauguration as more than a routine political activity, the President said it represented a renewed commitment to Nigerians and the responsibilities entrusted to the APC as the ruling party.

“We have not gathered merely to inaugurate a council. We have gathered to renew a covenant. A covenant with Nigerian people and the historic responsibility they have entrusted to us as Nigeria’s governing party,” he said.

Tinubu charged the council to communicate his administration’s vision, record and agenda to voters nationwide, expressing confidence that the party would secure victory in the 2027 general election.

The President also commended APC members for successfully completing the party’s congresses, recalling predictions that the process could trigger an internal crisis.

He said the party had overcome the challenges and remained united, crediting members for their participation from the ward level to the national leadership.

“They said there will be implosion. We passed through it. We did not fail. You didn’t let us down. We got here together,” Tinubu said.