Renowned political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi has challenged President Bola Tinubu to defend his administration’s record in a live presidential debate ahead of the 2027 general election.

Utomi threw the challenge in a post on his Facebook page on Friday.

He said, “If Tinubu believes his government has performed well, let him defend his record in a live presidential debate.”

The challenge comes days after Utomi, a staunch supporter of Peter Obi of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), called on the president to face opposition candidates in a televised debate, describing avoidance of such engagement as dishonest to the electorate.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television‘s Prime Time last week, Utomi said, “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 added, “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.”

Utomi cited South Korea as an example where public debates on the streets, in school halls and on television were used to rescue its democracy, noting that its electoral commission had advised Nigeria on the importance of debates.

He lamented that Nigeria’s democracy was deteriorating to a point where leaders are shielded from public scrutiny.

The challenge follows Tinubu’s announcement during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign council in Abuja that he would not be campaigning in all states ahead of the 2027 polls, but only in 12 states.

Tinubu, who is seeking re-election, did not participate in any presidential debate in the 2023 election cycle. (The Sun)