Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the upcoming 2027 elections, has made it clear that he will only participate in presidential debates if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are also involved. This announcement was made by Kenneth Okonkwo, Atiku's spokesperson, who emphasized that the former vice president is not willing to engage in debates that exclude the ruling party.

In a statement shared on social media, Okonkwo criticized the current political landscape, accusing the APC government of orchestrating debates that solely involve opposition parties. He argued that this approach serves as a tactic to divert attention from the ruling party's failures and to shield them from public scrutiny.

Atiku has been vocal about his desire for a direct confrontation with President Tinubu, challenging him to a national debate where both candidates can address the pressing issues facing the country. This stance highlights Atiku's belief that a fair debate should include all major political players, rather than creating a scenario where the ruling party is not held accountable.

The ADC candidate's position comes as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 elections, with various political parties positioning themselves for a competitive race. Atiku's insistence on including the APC in debates reflects a broader concern among opposition leaders regarding the fairness of the electoral process and the need for transparency in political discourse.

As the election date approaches, it remains to be seen whether Tinubu and the APC will agree to participate in a debate format that includes Atiku and other opposition candidates. The outcome of this potential debate could significantly influence voter perceptions and the overall dynamics of the election campaign.