No Law Forces Presidential Candidates to Visit All 36 States for Campaign
Abuja, Nigeria—October 15, 2026—There is no constitutional or legal requirement for a presidential candidate to campaign or debate in all 36 states of Nigeria, according to Obafemi George, a member of the Media and Strategic Communications Committee of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
Appearing on ARISE News’ Prime Time programme, George dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu must tour every state or participate in debates to qualify for re-election.
“I’ve read the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act as amended, the APC manifesto and guidelines, and the INEC guidelines.
I’m yet to see any clause in those documents that says a candidate must go to all the 36 states before being qualified to run for office or to be elected or re-elected.
Neither is there anywhere that says there must be a debate. All of those are subject to the strategy of the candidate,” he stated.
Focus on Sustaining Gains
George explained that the President has reviewed the electoral map and chosen to prioritise consolidating the progress made since the beginning of the year.
“The president has looked at the electoral map and has decided that what is more important at this time is to sustain the gains Nigeria has seen from January until now,” he said, adding that Tinubu continues to campaign both directly and indirectly through ongoing governance and infrastructure projects.
He noted that while the President has not ruled out visiting states, he will not undertake a full 36-state tour, describing traditional pre-election rallies as a “jamboree” compared to the continuous policy-driven campaign of the past three years.
Context of the 2027 Race
The comments come as the APC Presidential Campaign Council, recently inaugurated and expanded to include cross-party figures, prepares for the 2027 elections.
President Tinubu has previously indicated that the demands of governance will limit his physical presence on the campaign trail, with the council tasked with coordinating state and local efforts.
Opposition voices have criticised the approach, arguing that direct engagement with voters across the country remains essential. George maintained that strategy, not legal compulsion, will guide the ruling party’s efforts.
As political activities intensify, the debate over campaign style and substance is expected to feature prominently in the months ahead.
This report is based on remarks by Obafemi George on ARISE News on October 15, 2026.
news Court Jails Former Banker 39 Years Over N2.7bn Fraud Case
news Sowore Accuses ARISE TV of False Report on Court Hearing with DSS
news Sowore Accuses ARISE TV of False Report on Court Hearing with DSS
sport Manchester United Back Carrick with More Time Despite Mounting Pressure, Poor Form
technology MTN Insists “We’re Not Stealing Your Data” as Furious Customers Cry Foul Over Sudden Vanish
How do you feel about this news?
Community Additions
Have a news tip, correction, or extra context about this story? Post it below instantly. All submissions appear live on this screen immediately.