Tinubu Considers 36-State Campaign Tour As Atiku, Obi, Makinde Step Up Opposition Challenge

President Tinubu considers expanding his campaign nationwide as opposition candidates intensify efforts to challenge his 2027 re-election bid.

Some events of the last few days might have compelled President Bola Tinubu to substantially revise his initial plan to personally campaign in only 12 states, as political developments across northern Nigeria, particularly the growing visibility of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar threatens to complicate the re-election calculations of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

With nearly 63 per cent of Tinubu’s 2023 presidential votes coming from the 19 northern states, the battle to retain that support has become central to his second term ambition.

The changing political atmosphere in northern Nigeria, has forced Tinubu to reconsider the scope of his personal campaign appearances ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election, with the possibility of extending his tour to all 36 states of the federation instead of the initial 12 states announced in the released.

Apart from the challenge posed by Atiku, Mr. Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Seyi Makinde of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), the adjustment to the ruling party’s strategy may also be forced by the growing displeasure over economic hardship and insecurity in sections of the north.

The possibility of an expanded presidential tour acquired greater significance following the impressive public reception accorded Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, during the formal commencement of his campaign in Sokoto on November 4.

However, Tinubu’s visit to Jigawa State today for an APC presidential campaign rally and the inauguration of four development projects as well as Ibadan in the coming days buttresses the new thinking in his camp.