Oct 15, 2026

Utomi Challenges Tinubu to Debate Opposition Candidates Side by Side

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Professor Pat Utomi has called on President Bola Tinubu to stand side by side with major contenders for open debate, describing such engagement as a fundamental requirement of democracy.

Speaking on ARISE News, the political economist and member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress argued that leaders who seek to serve the people must be willing to discuss policy publicly with those contesting the same office.

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

He went further, urging the President to demonstrate care for Nigerians by meeting them where they live. “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.”

Utomi’s remarks come at a time when conversations about the quality of political engagement and the readiness of candidates to defend their ideas publicly are intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The veteran commentator has long advocated for greater accountability, idea-driven politics and stronger democratic practices in Nigeria.

His call underscores a broader expectation among many citizens that those seeking or holding high office should be prepared to justify their vision in the open, face-to-face with opponents, rather than relying solely on staged appearances or controlled messaging.

Whether the challenge prompts any formal debate arrangements remains to be seen. For now, Utomi’s intervention has placed the spotlight firmly on the need for direct, substantive political conversation as Nigeria continues its democratic journey.