Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Arise News anchor Rufai Oseni has issued a sharp warning to presidential candidates who avoid media interviews, declaring that anyone who considers themselves too important to appear on television for questioning will never be capable of serving Nigerians well. In a post shared on his X handle on Sunday, August 2, 2026, Oseni, who is widely known for his direct interviewing style and his willingness to challenge political figures on live television, said candidates who refuse to engage with the media are displaying a disregard for public accountability that should disqualify them from leadership.
"Anybody who thinks they are too big to come on television for an interview, that person will be too big for the people they intend to govern," Oseni wrote, in a post that has since sparked widespread discussion on social media. The anchor's comments come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with presidential candidates jostling for public attention and seeking to position themselves as viable alternatives to the incumbent. Oseni's statement appears to be a direct challenge to politicians who have been accused of avoiding tough media engagements, preferring instead to control their public narrative through carefully managed appearances and social media posts.
The anchor has built a reputation for holding politicians accountable on live television, often pressing them on issues of governance, policy, and personal conduct. His latest comments are consistent with his on-air persona, which has earned him both praise from those who see him as a voice for press freedom and criticism from those who accuse him of bias. However, the broader point of his post has resonated with many Nigerians who have grown weary of leaders who are inaccessible and out of touch with the realities of the people they govern.
Oseni's warning comes at a time when the Nigerian media landscape is grappling with questions about the accessibility of political leaders. In recent months, several high-profile politicians have been accused of avoiding interviews with journalists who are perceived as critical or adversarial, preferring instead to appear on programs where they can expect friendly questioning. This trend has raised concerns about the health of Nigeria's democracy, where a free and vibrant media is essential for holding those in power accountable.
The anchor's post has also drawn attention to the broader issue of political accountability in Nigeria, where leaders are often seen as being insulated from public scrutiny. By declaring that candidates who avoid interviews will never serve Nigerians well, Oseni is making a statement about the importance of transparency and the need for leaders to submit themselves to the will and questioning of the public. His comments have been widely shared and debated, with many agreeing that access to the media is a fundamental test of a leader's commitment to openness and accountability.
Oseni's statement is likely to be seen as a challenge to candidates in the 2027 race, including President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking re-election, and challengers like Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress and Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress. Whether any of these candidates will take up the challenge and submit themselves to a live, unscripted interview with Oseni remains to be seen. But the anchor has made his position clear: in his view, any candidate who cannot face the media cannot be trusted to lead the nation.
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