Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has promised Nigerians a presidency focused on accessibility and responsiveness as the 2027 presidential campaign gathers momentum.
Atiku, who is contesting the presidential election under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the pledge amid renewed political attention surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s absence from Nigeria.
The issue has become part of the emerging campaign debate, with Atiku’s political team presenting physical accessibility and presidential presence as elements of the ADC candidate’s proposed leadership approach.
The Guardian reported on Tuesday that the ADC Presidential Campaign Council had positioned Atiku as a candidate who would offer a “physically present” and responsive presidency.
The development follows discussions surrounding Tinubu’s prolonged absence from the country. The Presidency has maintained that the President remains in charge of government and continues to perform his official responsibilities while abroad.
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Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga has argued that modern technology allows the President to direct government affairs without necessarily being physically present in Abuja.
The competing positions have turned presidential presence into one of the issues being discussed as political parties prepare for the 2027 election.
Atiku is one of 18 presidential candidates whose names were included in the final list published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The ADC candidate previously served as Nigeria’s vice-president from 1999 to 2007 and is now seeking the presidency for another term after several previous attempts.
The 2027 contest will also feature Tinubu of the APC, Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Sandy Ojang Onor of the PDP, Seyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement and candidates from other political parties.
The latest campaign messaging reflects a broader effort by presidential candidates to establish clear differences around leadership, governance and accountability.
While Atiku’s campaign is emphasising accessibility, the Tinubu administration has continued to defend its record and the President’s ability to supervise government regardless of his physical location.
The issue is therefore likely to remain part of the political conversation as the election approaches, particularly as candidates seek to define their priorities and persuade voters.
With the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027, political campaigns are increasingly shifting from party organisation to direct engagement with voters and debates over governance.
