2027: Okonkwo Questions Tinubu’s Fitness for Campaign, Says President Should Resign If Unfit
President Bola Tinubu’s decision to limit his personal participation in the All Progressives Congress’ 2027 presidential campaign has drawn criticism from Kenneth Okonkwo, a spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council, who argued that the President should resign if he is no longer physically fit to perform his duties.
Okonkwo’s criticism followed the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council on Wednesday, October 14, ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to a report by Precise Post published on Wednesday, Okonkwo questioned Tinubu’s capacity to undertake the demands of a presidential campaign and argued that the President should step down if he could no longer discharge the responsibilities of his office.
The controversy centres on Tinubu’s stated intention not to travel to every state during the campaign, rather than an announcement that he would completely withdraw from campaigning.
In remarks reported during the inauguration of the campaign council, Tinubu said he would not be visiting every location with party members but would still make time to address Nigerians directly.
The President explained that his responsibilities in government would continue during the election campaign.
The State House, in an official statement dated October 14, confirmed that Tinubu inaugurated the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
The statement said the President urged party leaders and council members to work together ahead of the 2027 election while ensuring that the administration’s governance priorities remained on track.
Tinubu’s decision to limit his physical presence at campaign events has become a subject of political debate, with opposition figures questioning whether the approach reflects his capacity to undertake the demands of a nationwide campaign.
However, the criticism does not, by itself, establish that the President is suffering from an illness or is medically unfit to remain in office.
No medical evidence establishing such a condition was identified in the sources consulted for this report.
The issue also raises a distinction between a presidential candidate’s campaign strategy and the constitutional responsibilities of an incumbent president. A decision not to visit every state during a campaign does not, on its own, demonstrate an inability to perform presidential duties.
Tinubu, who is seeking re-election under the APC, faces opposition from political parties preparing for the 2027 general election.
Okonkwo is associated with the ADC’s presidential campaign, placing his criticism within the broader political contest ahead of the election.
The Presidency’s account of Wednesday’s inauguration confirmed Tinubu’s participation in the event but did not address Okonkwo’s claims about the President’s physical fitness.
The question of Tinubu’s health therefore remains separate from the verified fact that he intends to limit his personal appearances during the campaign.
As preparations for the 2027 election continue, the debate is likely to focus on the extent of the President’s direct participation in campaign activities and how the APC plans to mobilise support across the country.
