2027: You’re dishonest in the event you can’t face rivals in debate – Prof. Pat Utomi tells Tinubu

Political economist Prof. Pat Utomi has challenged President Bola Tinubu to take part in a stay presidential debate forward of the 2027 basic elections, asserting that avoiding public discourse with political rivals quantities to dishonesty towards the voters.

Utomi issued the problem throughout an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, arguing that aspiring leaders should show transparency by confronting coverage discussions immediately alongside main contenders.

“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,” Utomi said.

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

Drawing comparisons to worldwide democratic frameworks, Utomi recalled classes from South Korea’s democratic evolution, noting that electoral authorities there emphasised public debates throughout streets, tutorial establishments, and media platforms as very important instruments for accountability.

Expressing concern over the present political trajectory, Utomi criticized tendencies to shelter incumbent leaders from public scrutiny, stating that it was disheartening to see democracy deteriorate into spending time “nursing our leaders” whereas excuses are provided for his or her absence.