The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has declared President Muhammadu Buhari as the first presidential candidate in Nigeria’s history to hire a proxy in a contest.
CUPP, through its National Chairman, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, while addressing journalists in Abuja, on Friday, asked President Muhammadu Buhari to lead his campaign in order to demonstrate his fitness for the highest office in the land.
He said, “President Muhammadu Buhari has indeed said Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu would do the campaign on his behalf.
“We do hope that he was misquoted, otherwise, Nigerians should simply ask him to step back from the contest and let his party put Tinubu forward as its candidate.
“President Buhari will go down as the first candidate in history to hire a proxy in a presidential contest. He is the one contesting.
“He should not be afraid to be the one to interface directly with Nigerians.
“We urge the Nigerian people to insist that President Buhari must show that he is fit and able for the nation’s top job by leading his own campaign and by being at the presidential candidates’ debate.
“Anyone who is afraid to come out and debate shoulder to shoulder with opponents and speak directly to Nigerians is not deserving of the mandate of Nigerians.
“It will be nice to see President Buhari join other candidates in the debate and answer questions on his stewardship so far and what else he has to offer. We sincerely look forward to that day.”
The CUPP also stated that the level of insecurity in the country will affect the conduct of the general elections if left unchecked and therefore, called on the president to do everything possible to overhaul the nation’s security architecture.
The coalition also urged the president to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill in order to guarantee free and fair elections.
