Tinubu Should Quit If He Can’t Campaign Across Nigeria — Makinde Campaign Slams President Over Planned Absence From Rallies

The Presidential Campaign Organisation of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has accused President Bola Tinubu of avoiding Nigerians over his alleged failure to fulfil his 2023 campaign promises, calling on him to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race.

The Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, said in a statement on Thursday that Tinubu’s decision not to attend campaign rallies across the country showed his reluctance to face public resentment over his administration’s performance.

Tinubu on Wednesday indicated that he might not join the All Progressives Congress campaign trail across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said he intended to concentrate on governance rather than accompany the campaign team on its nationwide tour.

Reacting, Makinde’s campaign organisation said Tinubu should be willing to defend his record before the electorate if he believed he had performed well.

The statement read, “The decision not only constitutes a serious affront to the Nigerian electorate, but also makes a caricature of democratic ethos.

“Besides, Mr President’s decision and his confabulatory statement further confirm fears by Nigerians that he is not fit to face the rigours of governing a nation like Nigeria.

“The decision not to campaign around the country also reinforces public apprehension that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not ready for a free, fair and credible election but plotting to circumvent and compromise the process against the Will of the people.

“A President who believes he has performed well should be confident to defend his record before the people. However, having failed in all of his promises and having no meaningful achievements to boast of, President Tinubu is now fishing for excuses not to face the people.”

“If governance was truly his priority, as he claimed, President or ‘Governor’ Tinubu would not have been globe-trotting and staying away from the theatre of governance. In fact, he should be eager to use the opportunity of the campaign to face Nigerians and take responsibility for his failures.”

The council accused Tinubu of failing to improve electricity supply, alleging that power supply had worsened and tariffs had risen under his administration.

It added, “The reckless removal of petrol subsidy, poorly executed floatation of the Naira and other policies without adequate protection for vulnerable citizens have plunged millions of households into punishing hardship.

“Hunger has intensified, purchasing power has eroded, and poverty has become an unbearable reality for countless Nigerians.”

“If President Tinubu is so fatigued that he cannot go round the country to canvass for votes, then he should withdraw from the race, as Nigerians are not ready to continue with an absentee and lethargic president that lacks the capacity and capability to lead from the front.”