President Bola Tinubu has warned members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council against allowing preparations for the 2027 general elections to distract him from his responsibilities as President.

Tinubu gave the warning on Wednesday while inaugurating the campaign council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, ahead of the ruling party’s planned formal campaign launch in Kaduna on October 24.

He said the country required his attention more than ever, stressing that his constitutional responsibilities would continue regardless of political activities.

The President said he agreed with the council’s position that he should not be expected to participate in every aspect of the campaign, adding that he would continue to prioritise governance while the council coordinated mobilisation across the country.

He, however, pledged to make time to address Nigerians directly during the campaign period.

Tinubu also charged council members to work towards securing votes across their respective states, local government areas and wards, saying their efforts would only be recognised when they delivered at the polls.

He described the inauguration as a renewed commitment between the APC and Nigerians, expressing confidence in the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, urged members of the council to work together, communicate the administration’s policies and achievements, and mobilise support for the President’s re-election.

Yilwatda said the campaign should explain the impact of the government’s economic reforms and investments in roads, power, railways, ports, agriculture and digital infrastructure, while acknowledging the challenges facing the country.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticised the inauguration, alleging that the ruling party was using political influence to weaken opposition parties and undermine multi-party democracy.

The ADC’s Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, accused the APC of incorporating opposition figures into its campaign structure despite their continued membership of other political parties.

At the event, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo expressed support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was also present.

Adeleke said the President needed more time for his reforms to take effect, while Soludo called for unity among political groups supporting Tinubu.

The campaign council’s inauguration marks an escalation of political preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the ruling party seeking to coordinate its national and grassroots structures.