MABUJA, August 26, 2026 — Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has publicly challenged President Bola Tinubu to an open debate, urging him to “stop hiding in Aso Rock” and address Nigerians directly on pressing national issues.
Obi made the call on Tuesday amid growing public frustration over rising fuel prices, worsening insecurity, and economic hardship. The challenge comes as petrol prices climbed again this week, with NNPC raising the pump price to ₦1,270 per litre in Abuja, and Dangote Refinery adjusting its gantry price to ₦1,200 per litre.
“Leadership is about accountability and direct engagement with the people,” Obi said in a statement. “At a time when Nigerians are struggling with insecurity, inflation, and uncertainty, the President should come out and debate these issues openly, not govern from behind closed doors.”
The Labour Party leader said a televised debate would allow Nigerians to hear clear plans on how the government intends to tackle kidnapping, banditry, and the cost-of-living crisis.
His remarks immediately sparked reactions online and within political circles. The challenge also aligns with renewed 2027 election positioning, as opposition figures including former VP Atiku Abubakar have ramped up criticism of the Tinubu administration. Atiku on Monday said “We Are Competing With Thieves” and vowed to boycott any debate that does not include Tinubu.
The Presidency is yet to officially respond to Obi’s call.
Political analysts say Obi’s move is aimed at putting pressure on the government and reasserting his visibility ahead of 2027. Since the 2023 elections where he polled over 6 million votes, Obi has maintained a strong following among youths and urban voters who credit him for his message of frugality, accountability, and shifting Nigeria from “consumption to production.”
Whether the debate will hold remains uncertain, but Obi’s challenge has already set the tone for what is shaping up to be an early and heated build-up to the next general elections.
