President Bola Tinubu Wednesday confirmed that the state governors and coordinators will campaign in the states and Local government Areas on his behalf, confirming widespread suspicion by a cross section that due to old age and unstable health, he would not have the physical capacity to go around the country, as is customary, to directly ask Nigerian voters to renew his mandate.
The President gave the directive during the inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, claiming that he has work to do as president that cannot wait.
Tinubu said he agreed with concerns that the demands of the campaign should not distract him from running the country, adding that Nigeria needed his attention at the moment.
“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.
He told council members to excuse him from accompanying them to every campaign event, noting that his administration had bills to pay and international financial obligations to meet.
“So, you will excuse me from going everywhere with you, we have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait,” the President said.
He however promised that he will directly engage Nigeria, even as the campaign council took charge of mobilisation across the country.
“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.
Recall that the African Action Congress, AAC presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore had recently alleged that Mr. Tinubu had been hospitalized during his vacation in France. Presidential spokespersons however dismissed it.
Tinubu’s decision not to personally lead the campaign for his reelection will definitely re-ignite the debate over his health.