‘Be Very Careful of State Govs, So Much Hidden’ — Sambo Advises Tinubu

Arise News Politics Editor and Director of News, Sumner Sambo, has warned President Bola Tinubu to be cautious of state governors and members of his campaign team ahead of the 2027 presidential election, saying some important political realities may not be communicated to him.

Sambo gave the warning during an appearance on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Thursday, following Tinubu’s declaration that he would not attend every campaign rally because of his presidential responsibilities.

The President made the remarks during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, urging members to lead mobilisation efforts across the country while he concentrated on governance.

Sambo said Tinubu’s decision not to campaign extensively could limit his direct contact with voters and reduce his ability to understand conditions in different parts of the country.

He noted that former President Goodluck Jonathan had faced a similar situation during the 2015 election campaign, but argued that Tinubu’s limited public engagement could become a weakness.

“He should be very, very careful of some of the governors and some of his campaign team members, very careful because there’s so much hidden that cannot be said now,” Sambo said.

The analyst suggested that direct engagement with Nigerians would give the President a clearer understanding of public concerns instead of relying entirely on information supplied by political allies and campaign officials.

Sambo also criticised the support some opposition governors have expressed for Tinubu’s re-election bid, describing their actions as a form of anti-party politics.

He cited the positions of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, arguing that their support for the President raised questions about their obligations to their respective political parties.

The comments come amid continuing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with politicians from different parties exploring alliances around Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

Tinubu has maintained that he will continue to discharge his presidential duties while the campaign council coordinates political activities nationwide.

Sambo’s warning highlights a key issue facing the President’s campaign: how to balance the demands of governance with direct engagement with voters and independent assessment of political conditions across the states.