By John Azu
The Peter Obi Media Room (POMR) has challenged President Bola Tinubu and other presidential candidates seeking the votes of Nigerians to come before the electorate and campaign in person, rather than relying on political surrogates.
The group said Nigerians deserve leaders who are accessible, accountable and willing to engage directly with the people, describing the presidency as a position of service rather than one of personal grandeur.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its spokesperson, Idris Zekeri Jnr, the POMR expressed concern over what it described as the President’s absence from major platforms where presidential candidates are expected to engage Nigerians ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
The organisation cited President Tinubu’s absence from the recent National Peace Accord summit convened by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as the ongoing national dialogue organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), where presidential candidates have been engaging with questions on issues affecting the country.
“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,” Zekeri said.
The POMR said while the President could legitimately rely on officials and political associates to represent him at certain events, the same should not apply to direct engagement with Nigerians during an election campaign.
“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.”
The organisation specifically criticised the President’s absence from the National Peace Accord convened by the National Peace Committee under the leadership of General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
“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,” it said.
The POMR maintained that Nigerians should have direct access to the presidential candidates who are asking for their votes, arguing that voters must be able to hear their plans, question their records and assess their capacity to lead.
The group said the demand was particularly important for an incumbent seeking re-election, arguing that President Tinubu should personally account for his administration’s performance since assuming office in 2023.
“A President asking Nigerians for another four years cannot permanently hide behind ministers, party officials, media aides, governors, or other political surrogates. The office belongs to the people; the mandate belongs to the people; and the accountability must be directly to the people.
“If the President believes his administration has performed well, let him come before Nigerians and say so himself. Let him explain the economy. Let him explain the hardship confronting families. Let him explain his policies. Let the candidate explain what has changed since 2023. Let him tell Nigerians what he intends to do differently in a second term.”
The organisation urged all presidential candidates to embrace direct engagement with the electorate as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 election.
It said Nigerians should not only hear campaign promises but also have the opportunity to question those seeking to occupy the highest political office in the country.