Utomi: INEC Has Failed To Act In Nigerians’ Interest, Must Ensure Electoral Debates Take Place

21st August, 2026 | News

Utomi Calls for Mandatory Electoral Debates and INEC Reform

Political economist Professor Pat Utomi has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make electoral debates mandatory ahead of elections, saying debates allow Nigerians to properly assess candidates’ competence, preparedness, character and understanding of national issues.

Speaking on ARISE NEWS, Utomi urged INEC to strengthen voter education and ensure that political candidates regularly appear before the electorate to defend their policies and ideas. He argued that candidates who avoid debates may be seeking to escape public scrutiny of their weaknesses.

He also called for a fundamental overhaul of INEC, accusing the electoral commission of failing to adequately fulfil its responsibilities to Nigerians. According to him, the commission should play a stronger role in organising debates and educating voters about the electoral process, including the dangers and illegality of vote-buying.

Utomi further urged political leaders to focus on Nigeria’s growing youth population and develop policies capable of turning the country’s demographic advantage into economic prosperity.

He maintained that Nigerians must demand greater accountability from political candidates and reject excuses from those unwilling to publicly defend their positions and plans for the country.