Political scientist Pat Utomi has challenged President Bola Tinubu to face his rivals, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and other contenders, in a presidential debate ahead of the 2027 elections.In a statement posted on X on Friday, Utomi said such a debate is long overdue and that Nigerians deserve the opportunity to hear the candidates directly.
He pointed to the United States, whose democratic practices have influenced Nigeria’s system, noting that American presidential hopefuls from Jimmy Carter in the 1970s to Donald Trump in recent years have regularly shared the stage, answered tough questions, debated policy ideas and allowed voters to assess them.
Utomi argued that democracy should centre on a genuine contest of ideas rather than campaign slogans and political endorsements. He recalled that Tinubu declined to participate in a presidential debate during the 2023 election cycle and urged the president to reconsider that decision.“What could possibly be scary about facing the Nigerian people and explaining your actions, your plans, and your hopes for the nation?” Utomi asked.
He described Tinubu as a seasoned politician and skilled speaker for whom the debate podium should present an opportunity rather than a threat.Utomi concluded that Nigerians have seen enough political theatre and should instead be given the chance to hear the arguments, witness the clash of ideas and form their own judgements.
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