The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his alleged reliance on “surrogates” for political engagements ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election, demanding that the President present himself directly to the electorate.
In a statement signed by Idris Zekeri Jnr on behalf of the media office, POMR alleged that President Tinubu is positioning himself for a second term without directly engaging voters, accusing his administration of planning a campaign driven by proxy representatives.
The media office highlighted the President’s recent absence from high-profile national gatherings, including the signing of the National Peace Accord organized by the National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.
POMR noted that the President was similarly absent from other major national platforms, such as the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) annual conference.
“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 statement read. “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.”
POMR argued that an administration seeking a second mandate must account for its performance over the past four years, specifically urging the President to address citizens directly on the state of the economy, household hardship, and policy outcomes since 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,” the statement added.
Challenging both the President and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to alter their strategy, the media office emphasized that the upcoming election should focus on competence, track records, and direct debate rather than surrogate messaging.
“We are electing a servant of the people, not a demigod. No more proxy campaigns. No more presidential hide-and-seek. If President Tinubu wants a second term, let him come to the people,” POMR stated.
