Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to step down, citing concerns about his health and capacity to lead the country.
Okonkwo made the call while reacting to Tinubu’s announcement that he would not campaign in every state ahead of the 2027 presidential election, saying he needed to concentrate on governing the country.
The president, however, promised to address Nigerians directly during the campaign.
Reacting in a post on X, Okonkwo said the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council had exposed what he described as Tinubu’s inability to participate effectively in campaign activities.
He argued that Nigeria needed a president capable of combining the demands of governance with the rigours of a presidential campaign.
“The launch of the APC Presidential Campaign Council has finally shown that Tinubu is not physically able to handle the difficult work of a presidential campaign,” he wrote.
Okonkwo also referred to comments by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who reportedly suggested that Tinubu would concentrate on governing while party leaders conducted campaign activities on his behalf.
According to him, the arrangement raised questions about the president’s health and ability to discharge his responsibilities.
He said the APC’s position amounted to an indirect suggestion that Tinubu should prioritise his health rather than expose himself to the demands of campaign events.
“Tinubu said he won’t be taking part in the campaign but will talk to Nigerians from his office. I agree that the President should leave his position as President because he is not well, so that Nigeria can be led by a healthy and suitable leader,” Okonkwo said.
He further called for Tinubu’s removal from office, arguing that the country required a leader capable of effectively addressing its challenges.
Okonkwo urged Nigerians to support Atiku in the 2027 presidential election, saying his emergence would help address the rising cost of living and make essential goods and services more affordable.
Tinubu has maintained that his decision not to visit every state during the campaign is informed by the need to focus on governance, while promising to communicate directly with Nigerians.
The president’s position comes as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 general election, with the APC and opposition parties positioning themselves for what is expected to be a keenly contested presidential race.