Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the elected representative for Edo North Senatorial District, told Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday that President Bola Tinubu is not obliged to attend every All Progressives Congress rally, stressing that the president’s foremost duty is to govern the country.
During the interview, Oshiomhole explained that the president’s schedule is dominated by state matters that outweigh the need to appear at every campaign gathering. He said the leader of the nation must focus on running the government rather than acting as a rally chairperson.
"Tinubu need not attend every APC rally. The President has a country to run. Being absent at rallies does not mean he is not with the party. He is working for Nigerians," Oshiomhole asserted.
Why can the president skip rallies?
Oshiomhole argued that the president’s absence should not be interpreted as abandonment of the party. Instead, he highlighted that the executive’s primary responsibility is to implement policies, manage the economy, and address security challenges across Nigeria.
Who can represent the president at events?
According to Oshiomhole, the party’s governors and senior officials are fully capable of standing in for the president on the campaign trail. He noted that these leaders regularly engage with supporters and can convey the president’s agenda effectively.
What is the reaction from opposition parties?
The comments come amid growing criticism from opposition groups, which have questioned President Tinubu’s limited presence at recent APC functions. Oshiomhole’s remarks aim to counter the narrative that the president is disengaged from party activities.
Adams Oshiomhole concluded by reaffirming his confidence in the president’s commitment to national development, while urging party members to focus on governance rather than rally attendance.
The interview underscores a broader debate within Nigerian politics about the balance between party politics and the constitutional duties of the head of state.