A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Professor Pat Utomi, has said it is high time President Bola Tinubu participates in a debate with his opponents ahead of the 2027 general elections.

"Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, A presidential debate between you and your opponents is long overdue. Nigerians deserve nothing less," Utomi shared on X.

He urged Tinubu to consider the United States, a country whose democratic system has influenced ours. He noted that from Jimmy Carter in the 1970s to Donald Trump in recent years, American presidential candidates have repeatedly stood on the same podium, confronted difficult questions, challenged one another's ideas and allowed citizens to listen, compare and judge for themselves.

"That is what democracy ought to encourage, a contest of ideas, not merely a parade of campaign promises and political endorsements. In 2023, you declined to participate in a presidential debate with your opponents. I hope you will pause for a moment and reflect on whether that was the right thing to do. What is there to fear in standing before the Nigerian people and defending your record, your policies and your vision for the country?

"You are, after all, a seasoned politician and an orator. Surely, the podium should be an opportunity, not a threat. A leader should not ask the people to trust him blindly. He should be willing to face their questions, confront opposing arguments and explain why he deserves their mandate," he said.

Utomi said Nigerians have endured enough political theatre, and it is time for them to hear the arguments.

"Let them witness the contest of ideas. Let them make their judgment. The Nigerian people deserve to hear what you have to say in a presidential debate," he said.

MyNigeria notes that President Tinubu didn't participate in any debate during the 2023 presidential election, which he won.

ASA