Tinubu Sparks Reactions After Calling Himself ‘Governor’ During 2027 Campaign Council Inauguration

By George Omagbemi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has attracted attention after mistakenly referring to himself as “Governor Bola Tinubu” while speaking at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general election in Abuja.

The verbal slip occurred on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa’s Banquet Hall, where Tinubu addressed party leaders and members of the newly inaugurated campaign council as preparations for his re-election bid gathered momentum.

While acknowledging party officials and expressing appreciation to a friend at the event, the President said the campaign council would “bring Governor Bola Tinubu back for second time,” instead of referring to himself as President.

The remark quickly attracted attention online, with social media users sharing the video and debating the apparent mix-up. Some commentators treated it as a humorous campaign moment, while others questioned the choice of words at an event focused on securing a second presidential term.

Tinubu served as governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 before becoming President of Nigeria in May 2023. He is now seeking another four-year term in the 2027 election.

The inauguration of the campaign council marks a further step in the APC’s preparations for the next presidential contest. The council is expected to coordinate the party’s mobilisation and communicate its policies and record to voters nationwide.

The President’s remark also comes amid broader political discussions about his administration’s economic reforms, the cost of living and the performance of public institutions.

Although the comment was widely described as a verbal gaffe, the available video does not establish that Tinubu intended to make a substantive political statement by referring to himself as a governor.

As political activities intensify ahead of 2027, speeches and campaign appearances are likely to attract heightened public scrutiny, with both supporters and critics closely examining the words and actions of political leaders.