Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for a public debate among all presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 general election, saying Nigerians deserve to hear their plans for the country.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has challenged President Bola Tinubu and other prospective presidential candidates to a public debate ahead of the 2027 general election, saying Nigerians should have the opportunity to assess each candidate’s plans for addressing the country’s challenges.
Obi made the call while reacting to recent political developments surrounding his presidential ambition and the legal dispute involving the NDC. He maintained that rather than engaging in political distractions, candidates seeking the nation’s highest office should publicly present their ideas and programmes to Nigerians. He argued that an open debate would allow citizens to compare competing visions for governance before casting their votes.
The former Anambra State governor also reiterated his commitment to participating in the 2027 presidential election despite what he described as efforts to frustrate his ambition. According to him, the focus should remain on issues affecting Nigerians and on practical solutions that candidates intend to implement if elected.
Public debates have featured in previous Nigerian election cycles, although attendance by leading presidential candidates has varied. Obi’s latest call places renewed attention on issue-based campaigns as political parties continue preparations for the 2027 general election.
Obi urged President Tinubu and other presidential aspirants to participate in a nationally televised debate where each candidate would explain policies and programmes directly to Nigerians. He maintained that such an exercise would strengthen democratic engagement by allowing voters to evaluate candidates on the basis of their proposals rather than political rhetoric.
As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, Obi has maintained his call for a public debate among all presidential candidates, while reaffirming his intention to remain in the race despite the ongoing legal issues surrounding the NDC.