ABUJA, August 26, 2026 — Former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has launched a fresh attack on the Tinubu administration, declaring that “we are competing with thieves” and vowing to boycott any political debate that does not include President Bola Tinubu.
Atiku made the remarks on Monday as political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections begins to gather momentum. He said Nigerians deserve transparency and accountability from those seeking to lead, and that avoiding direct engagement with the President would amount to a disservice to the electorate.
“We are not just competing with political parties. We are competing with thieves who have held this country down,” Atiku said. “Any debate for 2027 must have President Tinubu on that stage. Anything short of that, I will not participate.”
The statement comes on the same day Labour Party’s Peter Obi challenged Tinubu to “Stop Hiding In Aso Rock” and come out for an open debate on insecurity, the economy, and rising fuel prices.
Political observers say Atiku’s comments signal an early alignment among opposition leaders to pressure the government and set the tone for 2027. Both Atiku and Obi have maintained strong followings since the 2023 elections and are expected to remain key figures in the next election cycle.
The Presidency has not yet responded to Atiku’s remarks.
With fuel prices rising again this week and insecurity dominating headlines, analysts say the call for direct debate between the President and opposition leaders is likely to dominate political discourse in the coming months.
