President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sparked reactions after appearing to mistakenly refer to himself as a governor instead of the President during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on Wednesday.
The incident occurred at the State House during an event marking the inauguration of the campaign council ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu made the remark while addressing party leaders, members of the campaign council and other political stakeholders gathered to formally commence preparations for his re-election campaign.
While acknowledging party members and discussing the role of the campaign council, the President referred to himself as “Governor Bola Tinubu” rather than President Bola Tinubu.
He said: “Distinguished leaders of our party, all the party members, presidential campaign council, I’ve seen my friend here that I must thank. And next will be the recognition of the director-general of the presidential campaign council that will bring Governor Bola Tinubu back for a second time.”
The remark appeared to be a verbal slip, drawing attention because Tinubu is Nigeria’s sitting President and is seeking another four-year term in office.
Tinubu’s Remark at APC Campaign Council Inauguration
The comment came as the ruling APC intensified preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with the campaign council expected to coordinate political mobilisation and communicate the party’s message to voters across the country.
Tinubu previously served as governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 before becoming President of Nigeria in May 2023.
His reference to himself as a governor during the campaign council inauguration therefore stood out during the proceedings.
The inauguration brought together APC leaders and political figures involved in the party’s preparations for the forthcoming general elections.
The campaign council is expected to play a central role in coordinating the party’s campaign activities, engaging voters and mobilising support for Tinubu’s second-term bid.
Tinubu Prepares for 2027 Re-election Bid
Tinubu’s re-election campaign comes as political parties and their candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections.
The APC has established its presidential campaign council to coordinate activities ahead of the polls, with party leaders expected to work across states and local government areas.
The President’s remark has added another talking point to discussions surrounding the campaign council’s inauguration.
However, the comment itself does not change his current position as Nigeria’s President or his stated intention to seek another term in office.
The development comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, with the APC and opposition parties expected to intensify their engagement with Nigerians in the months leading up to the polls.