2027: Utomi Challenges Tinubu to Presidential Debate, Warns Against Avoidance

Professor of political economy Pat Utomi has challenged President Bola Tinubu to engage his opponents in a public debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election, saying failure to discuss policies directly with rival candidates would amount to dishonesty towards Nigerians.

Utomi made the call on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, where he stressed the need for presidential candidates to explain their policies and engage in open discussions before voters.

The political economist argued that candidates seeking the same office should be prepared to defend their records, outline their plans and respond to questions about their proposed approach to governance.

“If you cannot stand side by side with somebody contesting for the same position and engage in policy discussions, then you are being totally dishonest to the people you are offering to serve,” he said.

Utomi also urged Tinubu to engage directly with Nigerians by visiting state capitals and rural communities rather than limiting interactions with citizens to formal political gatherings.

“If President Tinubu cares about the Nigerian people, he should stand in every state capital and some rural areas and shake hands with the people,” he stated.

He maintained that public debates were an essential part of democratic accountability, allowing voters to compare candidates’ policies and assess their understanding of the country’s challenges.

“The President should stand side by side with major contenders and debate. That is how democracy works,” he added.

To support his argument, Utomi cited South Korea as an example of a country where public debates and direct engagement helped strengthen democratic development.

He recalled that South Korea’s electoral authorities had previously advised their Nigerian counterparts on the importance of holding debates in different settings, including schools, television platforms and public spaces.

The professor expressed concern over what he described as a decline in Nigeria’s democratic standards, arguing that political leaders should be held accountable rather than shielded from scrutiny.

He also referred to the late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, whom he described as a leader with considerable potential to benefit the country, while expressing concern about his ability to fully discharge the responsibilities of the presidency.

Utomi’s comments come amid preparations for the 2027 general elections, as political parties and their candidates begin to intensify campaigns and public engagement.

The debate over presidential candidates’ participation in public debates is expected to remain part of discussions on electoral accountability, particularly as voters seek clearer explanations of candidates’ policies on the economy, security and governance.