Atiku demands Tinubu join APC in the 2027 presidential debates

Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, said he will only join 2027 election debates if President Bola Tinubu and the APC also take part. His spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, issued the statement on Tuesday, August 24, 2026, arguing that worldwide presidential debates pit the ruling party against the opposition, while Nigeria's current practice of opposition-only debates is untenable. Okonkwo accused the APC-led administration of using such forums to sow division among opposition candidates and shield itself from public scrutiny.

Atiku, describing himself as the leader of the coalition of opposition parties, said he is willing to appear in interviews, town-hall meetings, press conferences or any forum that engages Nigerians directly, but will not participate in arrangements that pit the opposition against itself and give the ruling party an undue advantage. He therefore challenged Tinubu to a national presidential debate where both sides can present their policies and explain how they would implement them, allowing voters to make an informed choice in 2027.

If Tinubu accepts, the debate could become the first major face-to-face encounter between the incumbent and the leading opposition figure ahead of the 2027 polls. What specific policies would you want each side to clarify on the economy, security, and governance before casting your vote?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/25/2027-atiku-challenges-tinubu-to-presidential-debate/