Prince Adewole Adebayo has accused President Bola Tinubu of being unwilling to confront Nigerians over the economic hardship he says the administration’s policies have caused, demanding that the President leave office.

In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, Adebayo criticised the President’s decision to limit his participation in campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general election, arguing that the move raised questions about his engagement with the public, according to Northern Nigeria Hub.

The SDP figure pointed to rising inflation, currency instability and the consequences of petrol subsidy removal as factors he believes have fuelled dissatisfaction with the government. He alleged that Tinubu was reluctant to face public criticism on the campaign trail.

Adebayo also questioned the President’s presence during national crises, accusing him of failing to provide Nigerians with sufficient reassurance at critical moments. The statement, signed by his campaign’s Chief Communications Adviser, Mark Adebayo, characterised the President’s approach as one that relied too heavily on others to communicate government decisions.

Tinubu had told members of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council during its inauguration in Abuja on Wednesday that he would not attend every campaign outing, citing the need to continue discharging his duties as President. He said he would still make time to address Nigerians while party members coordinated activities across the country.

Adebayo rejected the explanation, insisting that the President should prioritise the country over his political ambitions and be transparent about his capacity to lead. He called on Tinubu to step aside, saying the country needed a change in its leadership approach.