Opposition Leaders Challenge President Tinubu to Face Electorate

Opposition figures and campaign organizations in Nigeria have criticized Bola Ahmed Tinubu after he suggested that the demands of governance might limit his active travel during the 2027 general election campaign. During the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, the president indicated that economic recovery and investment drives require his primary attention.

The Peter Obi Media Reach, representing Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate Peter Obi, argued that the president cannot delegate accountability or outsource the defense of his record to political surrogates. The media office challenged Tinubu to personally explain the impact of his policies on the costs of food, electricity, housing, and transportation.

Further criticism came from the campaign organization for Governor Seyi Makinde's presidential bid. Following claims by APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda that opposition figures are no match for the president, advisers Anthony Ehilebo and Richard Ihediwa characterized Tinubu's limited campaign presence as an attempt to evade public resentment over rising petrol prices and electricity tariffs. The Makinde campaign specifically challenged the president to campaign in Kaduna on October 24 to defend his record on healthcare, education, and infrastructure.