Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to a national presidential debate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku said he would only participate in presidential debates if Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, also attend.
His position was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by his campaign spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, who said debates should give Nigerians the opportunity to hear directly from both the government and opposition candidates.
According to the campaign, allowing only opposition candidates to participate in debates while excluding the ruling party would not provide voters with a fair basis to compare the different political platforms ahead of the election.
Atiku’s camp also criticised the current approach to presidential debates, arguing that contests involving only opposition candidates could turn into disagreements among parties seeking to defeat the APC while the ruling party avoids direct questioning.
The former vice president said his decision was not a refusal to engage Nigerians or explain his plans for the country. Rather, he wants the 2027 election discussions to include the major political forces competing for the presidency.
Atiku remains willing to meet Nigerians through interviews, town hall meetings, press conferences and other public engagements where he can present his plans and respond to questions on the economy, security, governance and other national issues.
However, his campaign said he would not take part in a debate format that brings opposition candidates together without the participation of Tinubu or the APC.
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The ADC candidate is seeking to lead a coalition of opposition parties and political figures against the ruling party in the 2027 presidential election. His campaign has therefore positioned a direct contest between the ruling party and opposition as necessary for Nigerians to properly assess the candidates.
Atiku’s demand comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 election continue to intensify, with major parties and presidential hopefuls beginning to present their positions on issues affecting the country.
The former vice president has also continued to criticise the Tinubu administration over its handling of the economy and other national matters, while presenting himself as part of the opposition effort to challenge the ruling party.
His campaign argued that a national debate would allow Tinubu and other presidential contenders to explain how they intend to address the problems facing Nigerians.
The proposed debate would also give voters an opportunity to compare the policies and programmes of the competing candidates before deciding who to support at the polls.
Atiku’s challenge now puts pressure on the Presidency and the APC to respond to the demand for a direct presidential debate.
With the 2027 election drawing closer, debates and other public engagements are expected to become important platforms for candidates to explain their records, defend their policies and respond to criticism from political opponents.
For Atiku, however, any major presidential debate must include the incumbent president if it is to provide Nigerians with a meaningful comparison between the ruling party and the opposition.
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