Obi Media Knocks Tinubu Over Campaign Surrogates, Demands Direct Accountability

The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has criticised President Bola Tinubu over reports that the demands of governance may prevent him from personally participating in campaign activities, insisting that Nigerians deserve direct answers from the President before being asked to renew his mandate.

POMR, in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, argued that the President could not delegate accountability to political allies, party leaders and other surrogates while seeking votes from Nigerians.

The statement, titled “Obi Media to Tinubu: You Cannot Govern by Proxy, Campaign Through Surrogates, and Expect Votes from Nigerians,” questioned why the President would rely on representatives to campaign on his behalf if he was unable to make time to engage directly with the electorate.

According to POMR, political surrogates could communicate the President's message but could neither defend his record effectively nor take responsibility for the consequences of his administration's policies.

“Surrogates can speak for the President, but they cannot answer for his failures. They can repeat his promises, but they cannot make those promises a reality,” the statement said.

The group maintained that if the administration had delivered on its promises, Tinubu should be prepared to defend his record before Nigerians and explain how its claimed economic progress had translated into improved living conditions.

It specifically challenged the President to address concerns over the rising cost of food, transportation, electricity, housing and other essential commodities, while explaining when Nigerians should expect relief from prevailing economic hardship.

POMR further argued that governance should not be used as a justification for avoiding public scrutiny, stressing that a president seeking another mandate must be willing to account for his policies, promises and performance.

“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,” the statement added.

The organisation said Nigerians were being asked to assess Tinubu's leadership and performance, not those of the political figures campaigning on his behalf.

It insisted that the President must personally address citizens' concerns rather than allow political allies to present what it described as rehearsed talking points.

The statement urged Tinubu to explain any unfulfilled promises and provide answers to questions surrounding his administration's performance if he expected Nigerians to renew his mandate.

“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,” POMR said.