Political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to visit every state capital and interact with Nigerians instead of staying away from campaign activities.

Utomi made the remarks on Thursday while responding to questions in an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, where he urged Tinubu to participate in debates with other presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 election, describing such engagements as a key part of democracy.

He said the President should demonstrate his commitment to Nigerians by meeting them directly and presenting his record and plans for the country.

The political economist added that presidential candidates should be willing to stand alongside their opponents and defend their policies before the electorate.

He said, “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 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.”

Tinubu, during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress, APC, campaign council in Abuja on Thursday, announced that he would skip some campaign trips to states.

The President is said to be willing to visit only 12 states, leaving the governors and the campaign council to take care of the remaining states.

Some opposition members have already claimed that the President is not fit enough to face the electorate, while others believe he does not want to face voters’ anger over the economic crisis, which they say has reduced Nigerians’ living standards to the lowest level. (The Sun)