2027: List of over 20 states where Tinubu will not attend campaign rallies

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are expected to represent President Bola Tinubu at campaign rallies in more than 20 states as the party begins its 2027 presidential re-election campaign.

The campaign is scheduled to commence in Kaduna on October 24, 2026, according to a timetable released by the party on Thursday.

Tinubu to attend rallies in 12 states

The schedule indicates that Tinubu will personally participate in campaign activities across 12 states, while APC leaders and members of the campaign council will handle rallies in other states and the Federal Capital Territory.

After the Kaduna launch, the President is scheduled to be absent from the campaign events in Cross River on November 2, Gombe on November 3, Nasarawa on November 4 and Ekiti on November 5. He is expected to rejoin the campaign in Rivers on November 7.

Tinubu is also listed as absent from rallies in Ebonyi on November 9, Jigawa on November 10, Ondo on November 11 and Edo on November 12. He is scheduled to return for the campaign in Plateau on November 14.

The timetable further shows that he will miss rallies in Yobe, Kebbi, Akwa Ibom and Anambra on November 16, 17, 18 and 19 respectively.

He is expected to attend the Oyo rally on November 21 before proceeding to Borno, Enugu and Bauchi on November 25, 28 and 29. He will reportedly not attend the campaign event in Benue on November 30.

December campaign schedule

The President’s campaign appearances are expected to continue in December, with rallies listed for Sokoto on December 5, Delta on December 12 and Kano on December 17.

His final scheduled appearances are in Adamawa on January 4, 2027, and Lagos on January 9.

The remaining rallies in 12 states scheduled for December are expected to be covered by APC leaders and members of the campaign council on Tinubu’s behalf.

Tinubu cites governance responsibilities

Tinubu had previously indicated that he would not be able to attend every campaign rally, explaining that he must balance his campaign activities with the responsibilities of governing the country.

Speaking on Wednesday during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President said there was still a country to run.

He nevertheless promised to create opportunities to speak directly to Nigerians while party leaders and campaign officials travel across states and local government areas to seek support for his re-election.

Opposition questions Tinubu’s absence

The President’s planned absence from several campaign events has drawn criticism from opposition figures.

The Allied Peoples Movement urged Tinubu to campaign across all states or withdraw from the presidential contest, while former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar questioned his decision to miss some rallies.

Atiku, through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, alleged that the President was avoiding direct engagement with voters because of his administration’s record.

“Tinubu says he may miss campaign rallies because Nigeria needs his attention. Where was that urgency when Nigerians pleaded for relief? He has had three and a half years to govern. In that time, families have been forced to cut meals, postpone medical care and watch their earnings lose value before they get home.

“Now he wants another mandate. Before asking Nigerians for one, he must face them and account for the first term.”

The opposition has also linked Tinubu’s planned absences to concerns about his health, although the President has attributed his limited campaign participation to the need to continue governing while seeking re-election.