By Festus Adedayo
President Bola Tinubu’s decision not to campaign across every part of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election has sparked debate over leadership, public accountability and his engagement with voters.
In an opinion article, columnist Festus Adedayo criticised Tinubu’s plan to leave much of the campaign trail to party leaders and political allies. He argued that the president should personally engage Nigerians and answer questions about his administration’s performance.
Tinubu announced his position while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja. He said he had listened to concerns that campaign activities could distract him from governing the country.
The president maintained that Nigeria required his attention and that the responsibilities of his office would continue during the election campaign.
However, Adedayo interpreted the announcement differently. He argued that the decision could create further distance between the president and citizens facing economic hardship and insecurity.
Tinubu’s 2027 Campaign Plan Raises Accountability Concerns
Adedayo believes presidential campaigns should provide an opportunity for leaders to interact directly with voters, explain government policies and respond to criticism.
He questioned whether campaign officials and party loyalists could adequately represent Tinubu when Nigerians seek explanations about government decisions and their effects on daily life.
According to the columnist, political surrogates may help mobilise supporters, but they cannot fully replace the president’s direct engagement with the electorate.
He also argued that the campaign period should not be treated as a ceremonial exercise. Instead, it should allow Nigerians to assess the administration’s record and decide whether it deserves another mandate.
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Health Questions and Public Confidence
The article also raised concerns about transparency regarding the president’s health and capacity to undertake demanding public duties.
Adedayo compared the situation with Pope Leo XIV’s reported medical treatment, arguing that openness about personal challenges can strengthen public confidence in leaders.
He maintained that accountability extends beyond government spending to include the ability and willingness of elected officials to communicate openly with citizens.
However, the article’s claims about Tinubu’s health represent the writer’s interpretation and should not be treated as an independently established medical assessment.
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Adedayo Draws Lessons From Shagari and Carter
To support his argument, Adedayo referred to former Nigerian President Shehu Shagari’s approach to the 1983 election campaign.
He said Shagari relied heavily on influential party figures to campaign in different regions while maintaining a relatively low public profile. Adedayo argued that this approach contributed to an image of a presidency disconnected from growing public dissatisfaction.
The columnist also cited former United States President Jimmy Carter’s 1980 re-election campaign. Carter adopted what became known as the “Rose Garden strategy,” limiting his travel and campaigning while emphasising his presidential responsibilities.
Carter eventually lost the election to Republican candidate Ronald Reagan.
Adedayo used both examples to suggest that a leader who remains distant from voters during an election campaign may struggle to overcome public perceptions of isolation or ineffective leadership.
The Chichidodo Bird and Political Hypocrisy
The article’s central metaphor comes from Ghanaian writer Ayi Kwei Armah’s 1968 novel, The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born.
In the novel, the chichidodo is described as a bird that despises excrement but feeds on maggots that thrive in it. The creature symbolises the contradiction of rejecting something publicly while depending on the benefits it produces.
Adedayo applied the metaphor to Tinubu’s campaign strategy, arguing that a president should not distance himself from public scrutiny while relying on political allies to defend his administration.
In the columnist’s view, Tinubu’s 2027 campaign plan risks creating a similar contradiction: seeking another term in office while reducing direct contact with the voters whose support he needs.
He argued that campaign appearances offer an important opportunity for leaders to explain their achievements, acknowledge shortcomings and respond to public concerns.
Economic Hardship and Security Remain Key Issues
Adedayo also pointed to the economic pressures and security challenges confronting Nigerians. He argued that voters deserve direct answers from the president on these issues rather than relying solely on statements from party officials.
The columnist warned that avoiding difficult public conversations could deepen distrust and widen the gap between the government and the electorate.
Although the president has said his decision is intended to protect his attention to governance, Adedayo questioned whether limiting campaign appearances would reassure voters or fuel further criticism.
As the 2027 election approaches, the debate highlights a broader question about political leadership: how can a president balance the demands of governing with the need to remain accessible to the people seeking to renew his mandate?
For Adedayo, direct engagement remains an important part of democratic accountability, and delegating campaign duties cannot entirely replace a president’s responsibility to face the electorate.