The actor-turned-politician questions the President’s physical capacity after Tinubu said governance responsibilities might prevent him from attending every campaign engagement ahead of the 2027 election.
Kenneth Okonkwo, an actor-turned-politician and former spokesperson for Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu’s decision to skip some campaign engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections indicates that the President is unwell.
Okonkwo made the claim in a post on X on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, reacting to Tinubu’s remarks during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja.
The President had told campaign council members that they would have to excuse him from attending every campaign destination, explaining that he also needed to concentrate on governing the country and addressing Nigeria’s financial obligations.
“You will excuse me from going everywhere with you. We have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.
Okonkwo questions Tinubu’s physical capacity
Reacting to the President’s position, Okonkwo argued that the decision showed Tinubu was physically incapable of undertaking the demands of a nationwide presidential campaign.
His comments add to the political debate over the President’s health and capacity to manage the responsibilities of office while seeking re-election.
However, Okonkwo’s assertion is a political claim and does not independently establish that Tinubu has a medical condition.
The President’s stated explanation for potentially missing some rallies was that the demands of governance and the country’s financial obligations required his attention.
Campaign participation becomes a political issue
The debate comes as the APC begins preparations for Tinubu’s re-election campaign, with political leaders and campaign officials expected to coordinate mobilisation across the states.
An incumbent president must balance electioneering with the continuing responsibilities of government. Tinubu’s comments indicate that he may delegate some campaign activities to party leaders while remaining focused on national affairs.
The extent of his participation in campaign events, and whether he will undertake a nationwide tour, remains to be seen.
The exchange highlights how the President’s campaign schedule is becoming a subject of political scrutiny ahead of the 2027 presidential election.