By Our Reporter
The Peter Obi Media Office (POMR) has challenged President Bola Tinubu to personally defend his administration’s record before Nigerians, warning that he cannot rely on political surrogates to campaign for votes while avoiding direct engagement with the electorate.
The media office said Nigerians deserved to hear directly from the President about his policies, promises and performance, particularly amid concerns over the rising cost of living and the economic difficulties facing citizens.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, POMR was reacting to reports that Tinubu might be unable to devote sufficient time to the campaign trail because of the demands of governance.
It questioned why political allies and party leaders should be expected to campaign on the President’s behalf if he was seeking another mandate from the electorate.
“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.
POMR argued that although political surrogates could communicate the President’s message, they could not answer for his administration’s shortcomings or fulfil promises made to Nigerians.
It challenged Tinubu to explain how his administration’s economic policies had improved the living conditions of citizens, particularly in the areas of food prices, transportation, electricity, housing and other essential needs.
“If the administration has delivered on its promises, why should the President be reluctant to defend that record before Nigerians himself?” the statement asked.
The media office maintained that the President’s performance in office should be the central issue in any campaign for re-election, insisting that governance should not become an excuse for avoiding public scrutiny.
It said Nigerians were being asked to assess Tinubu’s policies and achievements, rather than those of the political figures campaigning on his behalf.
According to POMR, the President must be prepared to explain the results of his policies and address concerns over promises that remain unfulfilled.
“Governance is not an excuse to avoid accountability. In a democracy, governance is the very record a candidate must defend before asking for another mandate,” it said.
The statement further argued that Nigerians deserved direct engagement with the President instead of relying on what it described as rehearsed talking points delivered by political representatives.
It urged Tinubu to personally address the electorate if he expected them to renew his mandate, adding that political allies could convey his message but could not assume responsibility for his record in office.
“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,” the statement added.