Senator Adams Oshiomhole has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision not to attend every All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the move does not conflict with his responsibilities as President.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, the former Edo State governor said the President has the right to balance governance, political engagements and personal religious activities without neglecting his duties.
Oshiomhole dismissed criticisms surrounding Tinubu’s planned absence from some campaign events and his spiritual activities in Mecca, arguing that there was no contradiction between worship and governance.
“So, I don’t see what the contradiction is. There is none. He didn’t say, ‘I will stop worshipping God, I will stop praying so that I can constitute a governance,’” he said.
The senator maintained that effective leadership does not require a president to be physically present at every event, noting that governance can be carried out through various means.
“A president is not like a teacher who must be in the classroom. But even now, you can be taught online,” Oshiomhole added.
He further argued that the APC has the exclusive right to determine its campaign strategy, including deciding where and when the President should participate in campaign activities.
According to him, party leaders are best positioned to decide how Tinubu’s time should be allocated during the electioneering period.
“It is our right, it’s our prerogative to decide where we go, where the President goes and where he doesn’t,” he said.
The interview became tense at some point as Oshiomhole accused the interviewer of repeatedly interrupting him while he was responding to questions.
He also criticised continued scrutiny of the President’s campaign schedule, insisting that the matter had been sufficiently addressed.
Tinubu had earlier announced that he would not be present at every APC campaign rally ahead of the 2027 elections, explaining that governance and national responsibilities would remain his priority while party members handle mobilisation efforts across the country.
The President stressed that election campaigns should not distract him from carrying out the responsibilities of his office as preparations intensify for the forthcoming polls.