The Peter Obi Media Office has challenged President Bola Tinubu to engage Nigerians directly as he seeks re-election in the 2027 presidential election.
The group criticised what it described as the increasing reliance on political surrogates and urged the President to personally account for his administration’s performance since 2023.
In a statement issued by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri, the media office said the President should explain the state of the economy, hardship facing Nigerians and the impact of his policies.
It also challenged Tinubu to tell Nigerians what he would do differently if given a second term.
The group said the 2027 election should be a contest in which candidates directly present their records, policies and plans to voters.
“The Nigerian people need to see the candidate. They need to hear the candidate. They need to question the candidate,” it said.
The Peter Obi Media Office also criticised Tinubu’s absence from the National Peace Accord convened by the National Peace Committee under the leadership of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
It described the absence as disrespectful to the efforts of Abubakar, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and other members of the committee.
The group also called for direct engagement at major national platforms, including the Nigerian Bar Association conference.
It said:
“The Peter Obi Media Office has observed some disturbing trends ahead of the January 16, 2027, Presidential election that should be nipped in the bud before it develops. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is positioning himself to be re-elected for a second term without meeting the electorates.
“Indications are evident that the President plans to hide in Aso Rock and expect hired surrogates to meet the people on his behalf. This is not democracy and must be rejected by the people.
“President Tinubu can deploy surrogates to speak for him, sign documents on his behalf, or represent him at some public events, but he cannot send a surrogate to meet the Nigerian people on his behalf.
“The 2027 election is not a ceremony to be performed by representatives. It is a contest for the leadership of more than 200 million Nigerians, and those seeking the mandate must have the courage to stand before the people, answer their questions, and defend their records.”
On the National Peace Accord, it said:
“At the National Peace Accord convened by the National Peace Committee under the leadership of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the President was missing, disrespecting the painstaking work of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and others in promoting peaceful elections.”
The group reiterated:
“The Nigerian people need to see the candidate. They need to hear the candidate. They need to question the candidate.”
It challenged Tinubu to personally explain his administration’s performance.
“If President Tinubu wants a second term, let him come to the people. Let him see and hear the people. And let Nigerians question him and decide — not on the voices of his surrogates, but on the record and vision of the man asking for their votes. This is the spirit of democracy. We are electing a servant of the people, not a demigod.”
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