2027: Atiku challenges Tinubu to presidential debate

In 2027, the leader of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has made his participation in presidential debates a condition for President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to attend. This stance was outlined in a statement issued by Atiku's spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo. Atiku argues that debates should serve as a platform for both ruling and opposition parties to present their policies and programs to the Nigerian electorate.

He dismisses the practice of holding debates solely among opposition candidates as "untenable," alleging that the APC-led administration uses such forums to sow discord among opposition parties while evading scrutiny. Okonkwo's statement asserts that presidential debates worldwide have traditionally featured the ruling and opposition parties, and that in Nigeria's case, these events are being unfairly utilized by the failed, corrupt APC government under Tinubu to manipulate opposition dynamics.

Consequently, Atiku has decided to make his participation in any presidential debates dependent on the attendance of President Tinubu and the APC. The opposition leader remains open to engaging with Nigerians through interviews, town hall meetings, press conferences, and other forums of interaction, but firmly rejects any arrangement that pits the opposition against itself and unfairly favors the ruling party.

Atiku therefore calls on President Tinubu to participate in a national presidential debate, which would allow both the ruling party and the various opposition factions to outline their policies and strategies to the Nigerian people, enabling them to make an informed decision for the 2027 elections.