Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have challenged Bola Ahmed Tinubu to personally defend his administration’s record before Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that political allies cannot take responsibility for his performance.
The opposition figures made their positions known following Tinubu’s indication that he might not attend every campaign event of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC), citing competing responsibilities, including governance, economic obligations and efforts to attract investment.
They argued that while Tinubu could prioritise his official duties, he must directly answer questions about the economic hardship Nigerians have experienced under his administration.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku questioned Tinubu’s justification for potentially limiting his campaign appearances.
Atiku said Tinubu should explain how his economic policies had affected food prices, healthcare, employment and household incomes before seeking another mandate.
“The people on his campaign council did not receive the mandate in 2023. Tinubu did. He made the promises. He took the decisions. He must face the questions,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President also faulted Tinubu’s emphasis on economic obligations and engagements with creditors and investors, arguing that ordinary Nigerians deserved the same urgency in addressing their challenges.
“Tinubu says American creditors cannot wait. Nigerians cannot wait either. They have bills to pay, children to feed and lives to rebuild,” he said.
Atiku added that political endorsements and campaign rallies would not erase voters’ experiences under the administration, declaring, “No crowd of politicians can stand between Tinubu and his record.”
Similarly, the Peter Obi Media Office (POMR), in a statement signed by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri, accused Tinubu of leaving the defence of his administration’s performance to political allies.
The office argued that governance responsibilities should not prevent Tinubu from engaging directly with voters over the cost of food, transportation, electricity, housing and other necessities.
“The President cannot delegate accountability. He cannot outsource the defence of his record to political allies, party chieftains, and praise singers while millions of Nigerians struggle with the consequences of his government’s policies,” the statement said.
Obi’s media office further maintained that the 2027 election should provide Nigerians with an opportunity to question Tinubu directly about his policies and unfulfilled promises.
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“A President who seeks the people’s mandate must be prepared to face the people. Surrogates may carry the message, but they cannot carry the burden of accountability,” it stated.
The exchange highlights the intensifying political contest ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with opposition figures focusing on economic hardship and the performance of Tinubu’s administration as key issues in the campaign.
