The Arise Television presenter questioned the President’s ability to undertake a nationwide campaign after Tinubu said he might not attend every campaign engagement.
Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s ability to campaign across Nigeria’s 36 states ahead of the 2027 presidential election, following the President’s indication that he might not accompany his campaign team to every destination.
Oseni made the remarks during The Morning Show on Arise Television while reacting to Tinubu’s address at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
During the event, Tinubu told campaign officials that they would have to excuse him from attending every campaign engagement, citing his responsibilities as President and the need to address the country’s financial obligations.
“You will excuse me from going everywhere with you. We have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait,” the President was quoted as saying.
Oseni questions President’s campaign participation
Reacting to the comments, Oseni described Tinubu as “incapacitated” and questioned whether the President would be physically able to undertake an extensive campaign tour across the country.
The presenter also referred to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s participation in campaign activities as he challenged the prospect of Tinubu being absent from some campaign engagements.
Oseni’s remarks represent his assessment of the President’s capacity to campaign. They do not independently establish that Tinubu is medically incapacitated.
The President’s comments, meanwhile, indicated that he intended to balance campaign activities with the demands of governing the country.
Tinubu cites governance responsibilities
Tinubu’s position comes as political parties and campaign organisations intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The President told campaign council members that Nigeria required sustained attention and that his responsibilities would continue even during the election campaign.
His remarks suggest that the campaign team may have to undertake some engagements without him while he concentrates on government business.
Whether Tinubu will visit all 36 states during the campaign remains uncertain.
The development has opened a wider political debate about the demands of nationwide electioneering, the responsibilities of an incumbent president and the role of personal participation in presidential campaigns.