Opinion
Nigeria: Need For Robust Presidential Debates (I)
Debate is not enshrined in the Nigerian constitution or the electoral law in Nigeria. Even in the US where we adopted key aspects of our presidential democracy, debate is not sanctioned by law. However, since 1960, televised presidential debates have become a major staple of the electoral process in the US. It has been a veritable avenue for both party members and the unaffiliated undecided voters to cut through the clutter of campaign noise in order to choose their preferred candidates based on substance. In Nigeria, we are still grappling with the apparent lack of debates, especially presidential debates between flag bearers of political parties; whereas in the US, there are series of debates within the political parties even before the primary elections. Not only that, the same applies to other elective positions, including Senatorial, and Congressional seats, and the position of Governors and Mayors. Debates also create avenues for candidates to do battle based on their authenticity, the veracity of their individual policies; and their position in key national issues.
The importance of debates in the current electoral cycle was amplified by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) when he stated recently in Abuja, that they are essential to the election process and are increasingly regarded as a tradition and the bedrock of a healthy democracy. According to him, debates “embody fundamental principles which ensure that the citizens are informed and actively involved in leadership choices and decision-making. At this critical time in our country’s history, it is now more important than ever to nudge Nigerians towards informed voting choices that result in transformational leaders with the knowledge and understanding of the issues that will steer our country toward shared economic prosperity.” The lack of debates, since the advent of the current political era, has compelled the electorate in most cases to caste their votes blind for the full spectrum of elective positions. In fact, the amount of money spent since 1999 to maintain both houses of the national assembly is not commensurate to their legislative output, in terms of volume of bills passed, or the level at which they have been able to fulfil their oversight functions on MDAs to ensure that they are not operating as independent silos without accountability.
Due to the lack of debates, the electorate has voted stark illiterates as legislators, thereby denying constituencies and senatorial districts the required robust debate on the floor before certain bills are passed. As a consequence, the country has been plagued by a rubber stamp legislative arm like the current 9th Assembly, and various state Houses of Assembly. Recently, the anticipation of most Nigerians to listen, and to interrogate the presidential candidates of the frontline political parties was rewarded with partial disappointment when the Presidential Candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Armed Tinubu and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar did not show up at the Townhall Series. The debate was organised by the Nigeria Electoral Debate Group (NEDG), Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Centre for Democracy and Development, and others.
Nigerians anticipated a robust debate among major contenders for the highest office in the land, but only Peter Obi of Labour Party, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, of the New Nigeria’s People Party made themselves available for the debate; even though the Presidential Candidate of PDP sent his running mate and Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa in his stead. That robust debate never happened, and from the stated position of the Bola Tinubu’s campaign, Nigerians may never have the opportunity to scrutinise the next likely occupant of Aso Rock.
In 2011, the current President availed himself for the presidential debate, and he lost the election. Sadly, he avoided the debates in 2015 and 2019, but won both elections; and the past seven years have seen Nigeria heading to the precipice in every sector. No Nigerian leader, even in the days of the Military, mismanaged our diversity the extent President Buhari has in the past seven years.
In 2015, Nigerians voted an unrepentant former dictator into office, a tribesman who has given more attention to cows than 200 million Nigerians in the past seven years. Since our forced marriage in 1914, and the horse trading that occurred behind closed doors, between the North and the British before our independence in 1960, there have always been religious and tribal fault lines, but the past crop of leaders even from the North were able to manage it. But President Buhari failed woefully in this regard. His body language and policies in the past seven years have transformed hitherto fault lines to gaping tribal and religious chasms that are now threatening to swallow up the country. In this electoral cycle, Nigerians deserve the opportunity to hear the candidates outline their progammmes, and how they intend to manage our economy, security, education, health, foreign policy, but most importantly, how they intend to manage our diversity.
In the US, political parties organise series of televised presidential debates bordering on key issues like the economy and foreign policy before party primaries. These series of debates go a long way to inform the American voter, especially voters who are unaffiliated to either the Democratic party, or the Republican Party such that, by the time the main debates come around voters are fully primed on what to look out for. The case is different in Nigeria even in 2022, where neither the APC, PDP, LP, NNPP, or any other party for that matter had debates before their various presidential primaries. Essentially, it means that we do not know these candidates the way we ought to. You may recall that during one of the APC’s presidential campaigns in 2015, candidate Muhammadu Buhari was quoted as saying that he was going to make $1 equal to N1, but today, that promise is considered a slip of tongue, or political misspeak. Therefore, going by this, almost everything a Nigerian politician says in the campaign trail is worth nothing. This is the reason why the current set of presidential candidates must be put on the spot in a debate setting to face the scrutiny of Nigerians. To be continued in our next edition.
By: Raphael Pepple
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.