Senator Adams Oshiomhole has defended President Bola Tinubu’s absence from some All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rallies, arguing that the President does not have to attend every political gathering to fulfil his responsibilities.

The former Edo State governor made the remarks during a television interview on Friday, where he also dismissed suggestions that Tinubu’s participation in religious activities conflicts with his duties as Nigeria’s President.

In Brief

Oshiomhole maintains that presidential responsibilities do not require Tinubu to be physically present at every APC campaign event. He also argues that the President can participate in religious activities while continuing to oversee the affairs of the country.

What Happened?

Addressing questions about Tinubu’s absence from APC campaign rallies, Oshiomhole insisted that there was no contradiction between the President’s religious activities and his responsibilities in government.

He argued that being President does not mean Tinubu must personally attend every event, drawing a comparison between the office of the President and a classroom teacher’s responsibilities.

“A president is not like a teacher who must be in the classroom. But even now, you can be taught online.”

Oshiomhole used the comparison to reinforce his position that physical attendance at every gathering should not be treated as a requirement for effective leadership.

He further questioned the suggestion that Tinubu should abandon religious activities to concentrate on governing the country.

“So, I don’t see what the contradiction is. There is none. He didn’t say, ‘I will stop worshipping God, I will stop praying so that I can constitute a governance.’”

Oshiomhole Defends Tinubu’s Campaign Schedule

The former governor also challenged the interviewer over the questions surrounding the President’s movements and attendance at political events.

He maintained that the APC has the prerogative to determine which campaign activities require Tinubu’s physical presence.

Explaining his position, Oshiomhole said:

“It is our right, it’s our prerogative to decide where we go, where the President goes and where he doesn’t.”

His comments further highlighted his disagreement with the suggestion that the President’s absence from individual campaign events should be interpreted as a contradiction in his approach to governance.

Why It Matters

Oshiomhole’s intervention places the discussion around Tinubu’s campaign attendance within a broader question about presidential responsibilities and political participation.

While campaign rallies provide opportunities for political leaders to engage party supporters, Oshiomhole’s argument is that the President does not need to be physically present at every event.

His remarks also distinguish between the President’s personal religious activities and his official responsibilities, which he believes can be managed without conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did Oshiomhole defend Tinubu’s absence from APC rallies?

Oshiomhole argued that the President does not need to attend every campaign rally physically to fulfil his presidential responsibilities.

2. What did Oshiomhole mean by saying Tinubu is not a classroom teacher?

He used the comparison to explain that the President does not have to be physically present at every gathering to carry out his responsibilities.

3. What did Oshiomhole say about Tinubu’s religious activities?

He maintained that participating in religious activities does not conflict with the President’s responsibility to govern the country.

4. Who decides which APC rallies Tinubu attends?

Oshiomhole said deciding where the President goes and which events he attends is the prerogative of the APC.

5. Where did Oshiomhole make the remarks?

He made the comments during a television interview on Friday. The original report does not identify the television station.

Final Editorial Wrap-Up

The defence offered by Oshiomhole centres on the argument that Tinubu’s presidential responsibilities should not be measured solely by his physical attendance at APC campaign rallies.

By comparing the President’s role with that of a classroom teacher, the senator sought to explain why he believes Tinubu can oversee national affairs without personally attending every political gathering.

For now, Oshiomhole’s position is that decisions about the President’s campaign appearances remain within the APC’s prerogative.