Actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo has stirred controversy by questioning President Bola Tinubu’s physical fitness after the President indicated that he would not attend every campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general election.
Okonkwo, a spokesperson for African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Atiku Abubakar, has urged Tinubu to resign, alleging that the President lacks the physical capacity to withstand the rigours of a nationwide campaign.
The controversy erupted after Tinubu addressed members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council during its inauguration on Wednesday.
The President, who inaugurated the council led by Senator Abdulaziz Yari, said he would not accompany party leaders to every state and local government area, stressing that governance must not suffer because of campaign activities.
Tinubu said he had taken note of concerns that the demands of the campaign could distract him from his responsibilities as President.
“You have warned me and asked me not to allow the rigour of the campaign to distract me from governance. I hear you. I am in full agreement with your decision. Nigeria needs more attention now than ever before. The responsibility of this office does not pause,” he said.
He added that he would still make time to address Nigerians directly while the campaign council handled activities across the states and local government areas.
However, Okonkwo interpreted the President’s planned absence from some rallies as a sign of possible health concerns.
In a statement, the ADC chieftain alleged that Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma had earlier indicated that Tinubu would remain in office to concentrate on governance while other APC leaders prosecuted the campaign.
Okonkwo claimed that the arrangement was an indirect admission that the President should prioritise his health rather than expose himself to the demands of campaign activities.
He also made allegations about Tinubu’s physical condition and conduct at public functions, although he provided no medical evidence to establish that the President was unfit for office.
“I agree that the President should step down from the post of President because he is unwell so that Nigeria will be governed by a fit and proper President,” Okonkwo said.
He called on Nigerians to vote against Tinubu in 2027 and support Atiku, arguing that the country needed a new leader capable of meeting the demands of the presidency.
“Nigeria needs a new President,” he declared, urging voters to support Atiku for what he described as an affordable Nigeria.
Tinubu’s remarks, however, did not establish that he was unwell. The President said his decision to delegate campaign activities was intended to allow him to concentrate on governance while still communicating directly with Nigerians.
Okonkwo’s comments have therefore turned the President’s campaign strategy into a fresh political controversy, with the opposition figure making health and fitness for office a central issue in the emerging battle ahead of the 2027 election.
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