Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to participate in a presidential debate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku’s campaign said the former vice president would only participate in a presidential debate if Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are also represented.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Atiku’s spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo.
According to the statement, presidential debates should provide voters with an opportunity to hear directly from both the ruling party and opposition candidates about their policies, programmes and plans for the country.
Atiku’s camp criticised debates involving only opposition candidates, arguing that such arrangements could allow the ruling party to avoid direct scrutiny while opposition politicians turn their attention toward one another.
The former vice president’s position comes as political activities intensify following the formal commencement of campaigns for the 2027 presidential election.
The debate question is likely to become an increasingly prominent issue as the major presidential contenders begin presenting their records and policy proposals to voters.
Atiku’s demand also comes against the backdrop of President Tinubu’s own recent call for politicians to campaign on ideas and engage in issue-based debate ahead of the election.