…Says 2027 contest is for servant-leader, not demigod; faults President’s absence at Peace Accord, NBA Conference
The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step out of Aso Rock and engage Nigerians directly as he seeks a second term, warning against a growing culture of “proxy campaigning” ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Idris Zekeri Jnr, POMR Spokesman, in a statement on Tuesday, said while the President may deploy surrogates to represent him at events, no surrogate can substitute for direct engagement between a presidential candidate and the electorate.
“The 2027 election is not a ceremony to be performed by representatives,” the statement said. “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.”
POMR expressed disappointment over President Tinubu’s absence from the National Peace Accord convened by the National Peace Committee led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, noting that the committee’s efforts to promote peaceful elections deserve the direct participation of all major contenders.
The group also cited major national platforms such as the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference as opportunities where presidential aspirants should directly engage citizens on the state of the nation.
According to POMR, Nigerians deserve to see, hear and question the candidate seeking their mandate, rather than receiving campaign messages through ministers, governors, party officials and media aides.
The office insisted that President Tinubu personally explain his administration’s economic policies, address the hardships facing households, and account for what has changed since he assumed office in 2023.
“If the President believes his administration has performed well, let him come before Nigerians and say so himself,” the statement added.
POMR further challenged the President to state clearly what he would do differently if returned for another four years and to listen directly to the concerns of citizens whose votes he seeks.
The group stressed that such direct engagement should not be seen as disrespectful or confrontational, but as a basic requirement of democratic accountability.
It therefore called on President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to abandon proxy campaigns and face the electorate.
“The 2027 contest should be centred on candidates, competence, records, ideas and character, rather than on which political camp can mobilise the largest network of surrogates,” POMR stated.
“No more proxy campaigns. No more presidential hide-and-seek,” it declared.
POMR concluded by urging President Tinubu to meet Nigerians face-to-face, hear their concerns, and allow voters to assess his record and vision for themselves.
“We are electing a servant of the people, not a demigod.”
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