Tinubu’s decision demonstrated a willingness to place the demands of public office above personal political considerations, adding that the President had acted in the best interest of Nigerians
By Moses Okorie
The Democratic Front (TDF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising governance over political campaigns ahead of the January 2027 presidential election, describing the decision as a commendable departure from conventional electioneering practices.
The group said the President’s decision to focus on official responsibilities rather than attend every campaign rally demonstrated his commitment to national development and the uninterrupted implementation of government policies.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, TDF said the move reflected the principles of the administration’s Nigeria First policy, launched on May 5, 2025, after approval by the Federal Executive Council.
According to the group, the decision comes at a critical point in Nigeria’s economic development, when sustained attention to governance is necessary to consolidate the gains of ongoing reforms.
TDF faulted opposition criticism of the President’s approach, particularly comments attributed to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, describing the attacks as unjustified and contrary to the national interest.
The group argued that Tinubu’s decision demonstrated a willingness to place the demands of public office above personal political considerations, adding that the President had acted in the best interest of Nigerians.
It further described the move as an important contribution to the country’s democratic culture, saying political leaders should be able to maintain their official responsibilities while pursuing electoral mandates.
On the President’s campaign strategy, TDF expressed confidence in the capacity of his campaign team to communicate the administration’s record and secure public support without requiring Tinubu to attend every rally in person.
The group cited the administration’s economic reforms, efforts to address insecurity, student loan initiative, healthcare interventions and agricultural investments as areas it believes could strengthen the President’s re-election campaign.
It also highlighted initiatives aimed at expanding access to local treatment for kidney diseases and cancer, stabilising food prices, improving public revenue generation and enhancing national productivity.
TDF maintained that the administration’s performance, as assessed by the group, provided sufficient grounds for Tinubu to seek a second term without personally participating in every campaign event.
The organisation consequently dismissed the suggestion that the President’s decision to limit his attendance at rallies would create a political opening for opposition candidates, describing such expectations as misplaced.
It reiterated that governance should remain a priority during the election season, insisting that the President’s approach demonstrated a commitment to national responsibilities that should take precedence over partisan political activities.