The Peter Obi Media Office (POMR) has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to engage Nigerians directly as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 25, POMR spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, said Nigerians deserve to hear directly from candidates seeking their votes rather than relying mainly on political surrogates.
The group said the 2027 election should focus on the records, policies, competence and character of the presidential candidates.
POMR questioned whether a sitting president seeking a second term could effectively ask Nigerians for another mandate while ministers, party officials, governors and other political allies carry out much of his public engagement.
The group urged President Tinubu to personally explain his administration’s economic policies, the challenges confronting Nigerian families and what has changed since he assumed office in 2023.
It also challenged the President to tell Nigerians what he would do differently if given another four years.
“If President Tinubu believes his administration has performed well, let him come before Nigerians and say so himself,” POMR said.
The media office also referred to the President’s reported absence from the National Peace Accord convened by the National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
According to the group, participation by major presidential contenders in national platforms is important as the country prepares for another presidential election.
POMR called on all major presidential candidates to participate in public debates and engagements where voters can hear their positions and ask questions directly.
The group said such engagement should not be seen as disrespect to the President but as part of democratic accountability.
“The presidency is not a throne. The President is not a monarch. The President is a servant of the people,” the statement said.
POMR said the 2027 election should be driven by issues rather than personalities, urging Nigerians to assess candidates based on their records, competence, ideas and vision.
The group ended its message with a direct challenge to the President: “If President Tinubu wants another four years, let him come to the people.”