Tinubu Faces Backlash for Skipping Campaign Rallies

On October 18, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. He announced that he would not attend every campaign rally, emphasizing that Nigeria's pressing needs require his attention and that governance must continue alongside electioneering.

This announcement led to controversy, particularly among opposition leaders. Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticized Tinubu's decision, questioning his willingness to address citizens' concerns about economic hardship.

Atiku stated that campaign surrogates could not answer for the President's decisions and urged Tinubu to face the electorate directly. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the President cannot govern by proxy.

The Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation also condemned Tinubu's decision, suggesting it indicated a lack of confidence in his administration's performance.