2027: Atiku Challenges Tinubu to Presidential Debate
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to a presidential debate ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku’s position was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo. The former vice president said his participation in any presidential debate would be conditional on Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress being represented.
According to Atiku’s campaign, presidential debates should provide an opportunity for candidates from both the ruling party and opposition to present their policies, programmes and plans directly to Nigerians.
The former vice president criticised the practice of organising debates involving only opposition candidates while the incumbent president does not participate. His camp described such an arrangement as unfair because it allows the ruling party to avoid direct public scrutiny while opposition candidates debate among themselves.
Atiku has therefore made it clear that he does not intend to participate in any presidential debate that excludes Tinubu. His campaign said there should be “no hiding place” for the APC ahead of the 2027 election.
The challenge comes as political campaigns for the 2027 presidential election gather momentum. Tinubu is seeking a second term under the APC, while Atiku is leading the ADC opposition coalition.
Tinubu has also previously called on presidential contenders to campaign based on their ideas and engage in debates over policies. In remarks delivered on his behalf at the signing of the 2027 election Peace Accord, he urged politicians to debate issues and promote policies that would expand opportunities for Nigerians.
The debate challenge could set the stage for a major political confrontation if the major presidential candidates eventually appear on the same platform to defend their records and plans before Nigerian voters.
