Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of avoiding direct engagement with Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election.
Okonkwo made the allegation in a statement published on his X account on Saturday, describing Tinubu as an “absentee President” and questioning his suitability for re-election.
He claimed that the president was expected to campaign in only 12 of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, arguing that such a schedule would limit his direct engagement with voters.
“Tinubu will campaign in only 12 states out of 36 states and the FCT. This is about 30 per cent coverage of the entire Nigeria. This is an ‘F’ performance by Tinubu,” he said.
The ADC chieftain also faulted the president for allegedly failing to grant regular interviews to independent media organisations or participate in national debates with opposition candidates.
According to him, Nigerians deserve an opportunity to hear directly from presidential candidates about their backgrounds, policy proposals and plans for addressing the country’s challenges.
“He has not subjected himself to national debate with the other opposition candidates. Now, he is incapable of meeting directly with the Nigerian people to tell them directly his plans for them,” Okonkwo said.
He further criticised the Tinubu administration over the country’s economic situation, citing figures he said showed that federal government debt-interest payments exceeded revenue in the first half of 2026.
Okonkwo claimed that the Federal Government spent ₦7.7 trillion on interest payments during the period, compared with revenue of ₦6.2 trillion, leaving a difference of ₦1.5 trillion.
He also referenced Transparency International’s 2026 Corruption Perceptions Index, which placed Nigeria 142nd among 182 countries with a score of 26 out of 100, arguing that the ranking reflected poorly on the administration’s anti-corruption efforts.
The former actor and lawyer accused the government of failing to deliver adequately on its promises, insisting that the economic and security challenges facing Nigerians required a change in leadership.
He urged Nigerians to support Atiku in the 2027 presidential election, arguing that the former vice-president had the experience needed to address the country’s economic difficulties.
Okonkwo also said Atiku had pledged to introduce measures aimed at reducing the cost of petroleum products and improving living conditions.
His remarks come amid growing political exchanges between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties over campaign strategies, economic management and the performance of the Tinubu administration.
The president’s reported campaign schedule has also drawn criticism from other ADC figures, although the APC has maintained that campaign activities can be organised nationwide while the president continues to discharge his official responsibilities.
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