The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has accused President Bola Tinubu of avoiding Nigerians, arguing that his reported decision not to campaign across all 36 states ahead of the 2027 general election raises questions about his willingness to defend his administration’s record.
The council claimed that Tinubu’s reported position could benefit its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, insisting that Nigerians deserve a leader who is prepared to meet voters, answer questions and explain his plans for the country.
The ADC-PCC Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, made the remarks while receiving a delegation of young people under the group Young Voters for Atiku (YVA).
Ologbondiyan argued that a president seeking another term should be willing to engage directly with the electorate rather than cite official responsibilities as a reason for avoiding campaign activities across the country.
“What President Tinubu has done is a clear act of contempt against the Nigerian people,” he said, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of showing disregard for citizens.
He questioned why Tinubu would seek re-election without being prepared to visit the people whose votes he needs, describing the reported decision as a departure from the expectations of democratic leadership.
The ADC campaign spokesperson also rejected the argument that presidential responsibilities could prevent Tinubu from campaigning nationwide. He pointed to former Nigerian presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, arguing that they combined official duties with election campaigns.
He also cited US political figures Donald Trump and Kamala Harris while questioning why Tinubu’s situation should be different.
“Saying that he (Tinubu) will be attending to official assignments is untrue, fake, deceitful and insincere,” Ologbondiyan said.
He further alleged that widespread public frustration over hunger, poverty, insecurity and rising living costs could explain the President’s reported reluctance to engage voters directly.
“He knows Nigerians are hungry and angry. He knows that the average Nigerian finds it difficult to eat and to be secure. He has failed on all fronts, so he is afraid to face Nigerians. He is running away from the reality he created,” he added.
Ologbondiyan urged young Nigerians to reject the APC in the 2027 election, arguing that another term for the ruling party would prolong the economic difficulties many citizens are experiencing.
“I appeal to every young Nigerian to reject them. Let us collectively reject hunger, reject poverty, reject hardship and reject insecurity,” he said.
The ADC campaign spokesperson also praised Atiku, describing the former vice-president as physically fit and mentally prepared to campaign across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He said an ADC-led government would prioritise economic recovery, job and wealth creation, improved security and better living conditions.
“Atiku Abubakar will bring back subsidy to reduce cost of petroleum products, create wealth, end hunger in our land, secure our nation and restore our battered economy,” Ologbondiyan said, adding that the former vice-president had the experience and capacity to lead the country.
The ADC-PCC also claimed that the recent inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council had strengthened its own political position, alleging that no members or sympathisers of the ADC endorsed the event.
With the 2027 general election approaching, the comments reflect the growing political exchanges between opposition figures and the ruling party over economic conditions, campaign strategies and the performance of the current administration.
