ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has reacted sharply to reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu may opt to rely on political surrogates for his 2027 re-election campaign. The opposition group argues that the President cannot outsource the critical task of seeking re-election, especially in light of pressing national issues.
Tinubu's Campaign Strategy Under Scrutiny
This backlash from the opposition follows recent indications that President Tinubu might bypass significant portions of the campaign trail, citing the strenuous demands of governance, official state duties, and ongoing economic management as reasons for his potential absence. However, the POMR contests this approach, insisting on direct accountability.
In a statement released on Thursday by POMR’s spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, the campaign organisation asserted that President Tinubu cannot delegate accountability or transfer the responsibility of defending his administration's economic record to party chieftains, political allies, or "praise singers," particularly when millions of Nigerian citizens are currently contending with severe economic hardship across the nation.
"Surrogates can speak for the President, but they cannot answer for his failures," Zekeri firmly stated. "They can repeat his promises, but they cannot make those promises a reality. They can campaign in his name, but they cannot carry his responsibility."
Demand for Direct Engagement on Economic Policies
The media team aligned with Peter Obi maintained that, within a democratic framework, governance itself constitutes the primary record a candidate must defend. They unequivocally rejected the notion that official duties should serve as a legitimate reason to avoid direct engagement with voters. The statement specifically challenged President Tinubu to personally articulate to Nigerians how his current economic policies are effectively alleviating the escalating costs of food, transportation, electricity, housing, and other basic necessities that burden everyday citizens.
The media office stressed that the electorate deserves an honest, direct, and unvarnished conversation with their leader, rather than a "relay of rehearsed talking points" delivered by political messengers. This demand highlights a desire for greater transparency and direct communication from the highest office.
"Nigerians are not being asked to elect your surrogates. They are being asked to assess you, your policies, your promises, and your performance," Zekeri added. "If there is a record to defend, let the President defend it… A President who seeks the people’s mandate must be prepared to face the people."
This strong stance from the POMR signals a determined opposition leading up to the 2027 general election, emphasising direct accountability and performance-based evaluation of leadership.