“If Tinubu Cannot Campaign, He Should Step Down”
OBI-KWANKWASO POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (OK-PAC)
Date: October 17, 2026
The Obi-Kwankwaso Political Action Committee (OK-PAC) has condemned what it describes as the troubling circumstances surrounding the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, questioning the party’s decision to delegate campaign responsibilities to political figures from other parties and expressing concern over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reported reluctance to campaign actively for re-election in 2027.
On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Nigerians witnessed what we consider a troubling political spectacle as the ruling APC inaugurated its Presidential Campaign Council. Among the most striking developments was the decision to appoint individuals associated with other political parties to lead its campaign activities in certain states.
The appointment of Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, as the head of the APC campaign in Anambra State raises serious questions. Governor Soludo belongs to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), a political party that also has candidates contesting legislative seats. This arrangement raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the political implications for APGA candidates.
Critics may reasonably question whether such alliances represent genuine political cooperation or an attempt by powerful political interests to weaken opposition parties and consolidate political control under the guise of elite consensus.
As a political action committee supporting the Obi-Kwankwaso presidential project, we are not surprised by the APC’s efforts to enlist influential political figures to strengthen its public image. However, we question whether these alliances can persuade Nigerians to overlook the economic hardship and widespread suffering that have characterised the Tinubu administration.
Governor Soludo, an economist by training, must explain how he intends to persuade the people of Anambra State to support a presidential administration whose economic policies have attracted widespread criticism. Political alliances cannot substitute for sound economic management, nor can endorsements erase the daily struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
Development must be measured by its impact on human welfare. The renowned development economist Dudley Seers argued that development should be assessed by examining whether poverty and inequality are declining and employment opportunities are expanding. By these measures, the Tinubu administration faces serious questions about its record.
How, then, can Nigerians be expected to reward the administration with another four years without credible answers to their concerns? We remain convinced that even a united front of governors and federal legislators cannot automatically secure public support for an administration that has failed to convince citizens that their lives are improving.
TINUBU MUST CAMPAIGN OR WITHDRAW FROM THE 2027 RACE
While observing the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, we were particularly concerned by reports that President Tinubu indicated he would not personally undertake an extensive campaign for his re-election.
If accurately reported, this position raises fundamental questions about the President’s readiness to seek another term in office. A presidential election is an opportunity for candidates to engage directly with citizens, explain their records, present their plans and respond to public concerns.
Nigerians deserve to know why a sitting president would seek re-election without committing to vigorous nationwide campaigning. The presidency is a demanding responsibility that requires energy, commitment, accountability and direct engagement with the people.
The President’s reported decision to rely heavily on governors to mobilise support for his re-election cannot replace direct communication with Nigerians. Campaigning is not merely a political ritual; it is an essential part of democratic accountability.
The country continues to face serious challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity, kidnapping, unemployment and rising living costs. Families have been pushed into debt, while some parents have reportedly exhausted their savings to pay ransoms for kidnapped relatives.
These are the issues a presidential candidate must be prepared to address openly.
We also question the priorities of an administration operating amid widespread economic hardship while committing substantial public resources to major infrastructure projects. Nigerians deserve transparency concerning public expenditure, project costs, contractual arrangements and the benefits such investments will deliver.
The President cannot expect citizens to overlook their difficulties while relying on political endorsements to secure another term.
If President Tinubu lacks the willingness or capacity to campaign vigorously across the country, engage citizens and answer legitimate questions about his administration, he should reconsider his ambition to seek re-election.
The Nigerian presidency is not a personal entitlement, nor is an electoral mandate a reward that can be secured through political arrangements among powerful individuals. It is a public trust that must be renewed through democratic participation and accountability.
President Tinubu must step up and campaign, or step aside from the 2027 presidential race.
NIGERIANS DESERVE ANSWERS, NOT POLITICAL DISTRACTIONS
We are equally concerned by the continuing debate over economic statistics involving Vice President Kashim Shettima and Mr Peter Obi.
It is ironic that members of an administration previously associated with the question, “Are we going to eat statistics?”, would now criticise the use of economic indicators in assessing national development.
Statistics are not an end in themselves, but reliable data are indispensable to effective economic policymaking. Without credible measurements, governments cannot properly evaluate poverty, unemployment, inequality, productivity or the impact of their policies.
Comparisons with countries such as Bangladesh, Thailand and Taiwan can help Nigeria identify useful development strategies, provided such comparisons account for differences in economic structures, institutions and national circumstances.
The purpose of economic policy should be to improve the lives of citizens. Governments must therefore demonstrate that their policies are producing measurable improvements in living standards, creating employment and reducing poverty.
Rather than dismissing economic comparisons, the Tinubu administration should provide convincing evidence that its policies are delivering the promised benefits.
We believe that Mr Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso represent an alternative political direction that deserves serious consideration by Nigerians seeking a government focused on accountability, economic opportunity and responsible public administration.
Their supporters remain convinced that a different approach to governance can help address the challenges of corruption, poverty and insecurity confronting the country.
OK-PAC REMAINS COMMITTED TO A NEW NIGERIA
Gentlemen of the press, we assure Nigerians that the Obi-Kwankwaso political movement will not be distracted by political attacks or attempts to discredit its leaders.
We remain committed to engaging citizens across the states and cities of Nigeria, challenging policies we consider harmful and presenting our vision for a better country.
Nigeria needs leadership that listens to its people, takes responsibility for its decisions and demonstrates a genuine commitment to improving the welfare of citizens.
The 2027 presidential election must be about more than political alliances, endorsements and the mobilisation of powerful interests. It must be an opportunity for Nigerians to examine the records of those seeking their mandate and decide who is best equipped to lead the country forward.
President Tinubu must be prepared to answer questions about his administration’s record. No candidate should expect to secure a second term without meaningful engagement with the electorate.
We remain confident that Nigerians can build a country where competent leadership, accountability, economic opportunity and human dignity take precedence over political privilege.
A New Nigeria Is Possible.
Signed:
Dickson Iroegbu
Spokesperson
Obi-Kwankwaso Political Action Committee (OK-PAC)
