Tinubu’s Limited Campaign Due to Old Age, Not Governance Focus

Femi Otubanjo, a Research Professor at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, has linked President Bola Tinubu’s decision to limit his campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections to challenges associated with old age.

Speaking on Arise Morning Show on Thursday, Otubanjo said it would be understandable if Tinubu lacked the physical strength to campaign extensively across the country, noting that ageing naturally affects a person’s strength.

The professor said he wasn’t convinced by Tinubu’s reported explanation that he wants to focus on governance rather than campaigning across all 36 states.

“Let’s not deceive ourselves. I’m not happy about the reason the President gave: ‘I want to face the business of state duties.’ That’s not convincing. Everybody knows that,” he said.

Instead, Otubanjo argued that the president’s age could reasonably explain a scaled-back campaign schedule.

“What’s wrong with if the president is not sufficiently strong to go to everywhere? He has the problem of old age. Everybody loses some strength in old age. And then you have what you call the weaknesses of illnesses,” he said.

He also referenced earlier reports that Tinubu underwent knee surgery some years ago, though he did not go into further detail.

His comments come amid wider debate over Tinubu’s campaign strategy ahead of 2027, and whether a full nationwide tour of all 36 states is necessary or realistic.

Tinubu is seeking re-election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).