LAGOS — Renowned political economist and opposition leader, Professor Pat Utomi, has thrown down an explosive challenge to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, daring him to step out from behind his entourage of aides and defend his administration’s performance in a live, unscripted presidential debate.
Utomi launched a scathing attack on the administration during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time and in statements shared across his official media handles, accusing the ruling class of treating public accountability like a taboo. He declared that any political leader who refuses to stand side by side with rivals on a live debate stage is being totally dishonest to the electorate.
Refusing to pull punches, the vocal critic lamented that Nigeria’s democracy is fast sliding into a dangerous culture of shielding leaders from scrutiny while ordinary citizens endure economic hardship and security fears. Utomi argued that rather than demanding answers, Nigerians have been reduced to endlessly nursing their leaders and accepting excuses for their absence from key public engagements.
Highlighting democratic practices abroad, Utomi recalled a study tour to South Korea alongside former INEC Chairman Professor Attahiru Jega. He revealed how South Korean electoral officials credited widespread, fierce public debates held across street corners, school halls, and national television with rescuing and fortifying their democracy.
Taking direct aim at reports that President Tinubu plans to limit his 2027 campaign footprint to just 12 states, Utomi insisted that surrogates and presidential spokespersons can never replace direct scrutiny. He urged the President to tour state capitals and rural communities to face citizens directly, warning that avoiding policy discussions only signals a lack of confidence in his administration’s record.
