Utomi Challenges Tinubu to Debate Rivals Ahead of 2027 Election

Political economist Prof. Pat Utomi has challenged President Bola Tinubu to take part in a live presidential debate before the 2027 general elections, saying that staying away from public exchanges with political opponents would amount to dishonesty toward voters. Utomi made the call during an interview on Arise Television's Prime Time. He argued that people seeking leadership positions should prove their transparency by discussing policy directly with other major candidates. According to Utomi, a person who cannot stand beside a rival for the same office and engage in policy discussions is being completely dishonest to those they intend to serve. He also said that if Tinubu cares about Nigerians, the president should visit every state capital and some rural communities to shake hands with citizens. Utomi added that Tinubu should stand alongside major contenders and debate, which he said is how democracy functions. He pointed to international democratic models, recalling South Korea's democratic development and noting that electoral authorities there treated public debates in streets, academic institutions, and media as important accountability mechanisms. Utomi expressed concern about the current political direction and criticized moves to protect incumbents from public scrutiny. He said it was disheartening that democracy was deteriorating into a situation where time is spent nursing leaders while excuses are made for their absence.