2027: ‘Stay at home if you won’t debate’ – Rufai Oseni tackles Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, others

Arise Television’s Morning Show anchor, Rufai Oseni, has criticised President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and other political candidates over their failure to present campaign manifestos and participate in presidential debates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Oseni described the situation as an insult to Nigerians, accusing politicians across party lines of focusing more on verbal attacks against one another than on presenting practical solutions to the country’s challenges.

The broadcaster made the remarks on Wednesday during Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he called on political parties and candidates to make their manifestos available to the public.

He also urged the parties to establish a clear timetable for presidential debates, giving Nigerians the opportunity to assess the candidates’ plans, policies and proposed solutions before deciding who to support in the 2027 elections.

“I think all of them, all the political candidates, have insulted Nigerians. It’s an insult to Nigerians for all of them, from the APC to the NDC,” he said.

Oseni lamented that the candidates had yet to demonstrate sufficient commitment to debating their ideas and policies before Nigerians.

“All of you don’t take us seriously. You don’t have your campaign manifesto. We’re not debating on that. All of you, you are not even ready to give us a debate,” he added.

He also questioned the absence of a publicly announced debate schedule, arguing that Nigerians deserved to know when candidates would present their plans for governing the country.

Oseni cited South Korea as an example of a country where presidential debates are mandatory, urging Nigeria to adopt a similar approach to ensure that candidates are held accountable for their policy proposals.

“If you must put yourself up for presidency, at least be decent enough to be able to debate your ideas. If you don’t want to do it, go and sit at your father’s house,” he said.

The broadcaster further accused politicians of relying on insults and personal attacks instead of offering solutions to the country’s economic and security challenges.

He expressed concern that both the ruling party and the opposition were falling short of public expectations, despite the importance of a strong opposition in a democratic system.

“The opposition and the incumbent, they are all almost looking the same to me. I feel politics is a festival of strength of ideas, and I always feel that opposition must be strengthened to balance democracy. But a lot of people are not pulling their weight,” Oseni said.

He also questioned the policy proposals being advanced by political candidates, citing the debate over petrol subsidy removal and asking how the candidates intended to implement their promises.

Oseni called on the candidates to publish their manifestos within the next week, insisting that Nigerians needed clear policy positions rather than excuses and political exchanges.

“So please, in the next week, we want to see manifestos. We don’t want to see excuses. People should be able to bring their manifestos forward,” he said.

The comments come amid growing public expectations for presidential candidates to explain their policy priorities and outline how they intend to address Nigeria’s economic difficulties, insecurity, and other national challenges ahead of the 2027 general election.

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