President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision not to personally attend every All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election has triggered an important political conversation about the strength and independence of the party’s candidates.
Tinubu recently made it clear that he would not participate in every APC campaign event, explaining that, as President, he has governance responsibilities that require his attention. Reports indicate that the APC has nevertheless drawn up a nationwide campaign programme, with Tinubu expected to personally appear at selected rallies rather than physically tour all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking in defence of the President’s position, Segun Showunmi argued that Tinubu does not necessarily need to be physically present at every campaign rally. According to the argument, the President is already a nationally recognised political figure and has other responsibilities, including running the affairs of the country.
That position, however, raises another question for APC candidates contesting Senate, House of Representatives, governorship and state assembly seats in 2027: how much of their electoral success should they expect to come from Tinubu’s personal political influence?
The answer may be uncomfortable for some politicians.
If Tinubu is not going to physically campaign in every state, APC candidates may have to work much harder to establish their own political identities, local structures and relationships with voters.
The reality is that presidential popularity does not automatically translate into votes for every candidate on the same party platform. Candidates still have to convince their constituents that they deserve their votes based on their own records, competence, accessibility, grassroots connections and understanding of local issues.
The 2027 election may therefore test whether APC candidates have built political structures strong enough to survive without relying heavily on the President’s presence.
The party has already proposed a campaign schedule covering all 36 states and the FCT, while Tinubu is expected to personally participate in a limited number of major rallies. The reported schedule includes appearances in strategic locations such as Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Adamawa and Lagos.
This arrangement effectively places greater responsibility on governors, lawmakers, candidates, party leaders and grassroots organisers to mobilise voters in their respective areas.
And that is where the phrase “all man for himself” becomes politically significant.
The 2027 contest may not simply be about the strength of the APC presidential ticket. It could also become a referendum on the individual political capital of the party’s candidates.
Those who have built genuine relationships with their constituents, delivered visible projects, maintained strong grassroots networks and earned the confidence of voters may have an advantage.
Those who have depended almost entirely on the popularity, machinery or campaign appearances of the President may discover that political umbrellas do not always guarantee electoral shelter.
The political environment has also changed considerably since 2023. The APC is now the governing party, and its candidates must defend not only their individual records but also respond to voters’ perceptions of the administration’s performance.
Therefore, while Tinubu’s influence will undoubtedly remain an important factor in the 2027 elections, APC candidates cannot afford to assume that the President’s political influence will automatically carry them across the finish line.
They must build their own campaigns, communicate their own achievements and convince voters in their constituencies.
In simple terms: Tinubu may be leading the presidential race, but every other APC candidate still has to run their own race.
The era of expecting a presidential “tsunami” to sweep everyone into office may face a serious test in 2027.
All man for himself.
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