Research Professor Femi Otubanjo of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs has attributed President Bola Tinubu’s reported decision to limit his campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections to the physical challenges associated with old age.
Otubanjo said it would be understandable if the president lacked the physical strength to campaign across the country, noting that ageing could affect a person’s stamina and ability to undertake extensive activities.
He made the remarks during an interview on Arise Morning Show on Thursday, while discussing Tinubu’s reported campaign strategy ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The professor said he was unconvinced by the reported explanation that Tinubu intended to concentrate on governance rather than travel to all 36 states to campaign for votes.
“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…” Otubanjo said.
He, however, argued that the president’s age could be a factor in determining how extensively he participates in campaign activities.
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“What’s wrong with if the president is not sufficiently strong to go to everywhere?” he asked.
“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 added.
Otubanjo also referred to reports that Tinubu underwent knee surgery several years ago but did not provide further details about the procedure or its implications for the president’s current health.
His comments come amid discussions about the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate’s approach to campaigning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The debate centres on whether Tinubu needs to visit every state in the country to canvass support or whether a more limited campaign schedule would allow him to focus on official responsibilities.
Tinubu is seeking re-election under the APC in 2027. However, Otubanjo’s remarks represent his assessment of the reported campaign strategy, rather than a confirmed explanation from the presidency about the president’s reasons for limiting his campaign activities.