President [Bola Tinubu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bola_Tinubu) announced on Wednesday that he will not travel to every state for a physical campaign rally ahead of the 2027 presidential election, saying the nation’s financial obligations to American lenders take precedence. He assured party members that he will still address Nigerians directly, albeit through audio messages rather than in‑person gatherings.
Key points:
- Tinubu, now 76, is seeking a second term and claims his supporters already control 34 of the 36 state governorships, 109 senators and 360 House members.
- He likened his limited travel to the single public appearance made by Cameroon’s 93‑year‑old President [Paul Biya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Biya) in the far north in October 2025, after which Biya secured another term.
- The article cites Djibouti’s 78‑year‑old President [Ismaïl Omar Guelleh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isma%C3%ABl_Omar_Guelleh), who won his sixth term with 98 % of the vote, as another example of a leader who relies on symbolic rather than extensive campaigning.
- Critics argue that Tinubu’s “audio campaign” may silence voter questions, echoing concerns raised by scholars Lynette Fourie and Neeltje du Plessis about the need for electorates to engage directly with candidates.
**What does “rally” really mean?**
The term originates from the Latin *alligare* – “to bind” – and evolved through Old French to signify the act of re‑uniting people. The author argues that Tinubu has already bound his political base through party structures, making physical rallies redundant.
**Why the comparison with African incumbents?**
The piece references long‑standing leaders such as Zimbabwe’s late Robert Mugabe, Cameroon’s Paul Biya and Djibouti’s Ismaïl Omar Guelleh to illustrate a pattern where ageing presidents secure overwhelming victories without extensive grassroots campaigning. The author suggests that Nigeria, unlike those nations, enjoys a more competitive democratic environment, yet warns against complacency.
**Is an audio‑only campaign democratic?**
Citing Fourie and du Plessis, the article stresses that a genuine campaign should empower voters to make informed choices, not merely broadcast a one‑way message. It asks whether Nigerians in Osun, Ebonyi or Kebbi will be able to question Tinubu’s claims about “paying bills” to foreign creditors.
**Historical cautionary tales**
The author draws parallels with Louis XIV’s court of flattery and the legendary King Canute, who was warned against overreaching power. These anecdotes serve as a reminder that leaders who ignore dissent risk losing legitimacy.
**Conclusion**
While Tinubu’s supporters view his strategy as a masterstroke, the article urges the president to still engage physically with citizens across all states, ensuring that voters can challenge his narrative and hold him accountable for the promises he makes.