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A recently circulated video has reignited discussions about the level of media access within Nigeria’s presidential office, as a concerned citizen critiques the communication approach of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The video, which has gained significant traction online, features a Nigerian woman expressing her concerns over the president’s limited direct interaction with the press. Her comments have sparked widespread conversations across various social media platforms.
Concerns Over Limited Media Interaction
In her statement, the woman remarked, “President Tinubu occasionally conducts what seem like press briefings, where he speaks with people around him—likely his inner circle—applauding his every word. And that’s where it ends.”
She also highlighted what she perceives as a lack of thorough media examination, noting, “We never witness a scenario where a journalist is actively questioning him and receiving answers. There are undoubtedly many questions to be posed, yet we never see that opportunity arise.”
She went on to mention that even during the election period, the president’s media engagements were notably sparse.
She recalled, “Even during his campaign, the only interview that I can remember is the one he did with, I think CNN or BBC, I can’t remember which one exactly, but that’s the only one I can remember.”
Questions About Transparency
The speaker also referenced a missed town hall event during the campaign period, stating, “And even when there was a town hall meeting where other presidential candidates came up, he was absent. He sent a representative. Is he scared of TV interview? I don’t know, I can’t tell you.”
She stressed that since assuming office, she has not seen any instance where the president directly answers questions from journalists.
In her words, “Now he’s president, I cannot find, there is no TV interview or there is nowhere where the president is answering media questions where a journalist is asking him questions and he’s answering.”
Comparison With Global Practices
Drawing a comparison with international leaders, she said, “I mean, if you look at the United States, for example, President Trump answers questions from media. He grants TV interviews sometimes, sometimes journalists ask him questions and he answers.”
Her comments referenced former U.S. President Donald Trump as an example of a leader who regularly engages with the press.
She concluded by highlighting what she described as a communication gap, stating, “There’s this gap between the president and the media. We hear from his spokespersons… but we barely hear from the president.”
Watch the video here…
“Why Doesn’t Tinubu Grant Any TV Interviews? I’ve Never Seen Him Take a Single Question From The Media. Instead, He Holds Occasional Press Briefings Where He Just Speaks And People In The Background, His Own People, Simply Clap For Him, And That’s It.” pic.twitter.com/YttgyoOkmH
— Somto Okonkwo (@General_Somto) April 21, 2026