APC dismisses Obi as campaign demands Tinubu live debate

The political war of words between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and supporters of Nigeria Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has escalated, with Obi's camp challenging President Bola Tinubu to a live televised debate ahead of the 2027 general elections. This challenge follows the APC's dismissal of Obi's recent criticisms of the Tinubu administration's economic reforms.

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I dare them (Obi’s critics) to refute what Obi has said. Let them speak to the issues he raised and tell us if they are not fundamental. Obviously, they can’t.

Obi had previously stated that President Tinubu was "too tired" to lead Nigeria and urged him to step aside, citing a lack of capacity to address the nation's worsening economic and security crises. He also asserted that Nigerians, not state governors, would determine the 2027 election outcome. These remarks drew sharp criticism from the APC and President Tinubu's supporters, particularly on social media.

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Nigerians are killed daily, and there is hunger in the land. The education sector is seriously lagging. It is being thrown below the standard level. Is it not true that we have a fake agency financed by this government?

Yunusa Tanko, Obi's campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, retorted that instead of deploying surrogates, Tinubu should agree to a debate to defend his administration's record. Tanko challenged critics to refute Obi's points, highlighting issues such as daily killings, hunger, and the lagging education sector. He stated, "It will be interesting if Tinubu can agree to debate with Mr Peter Obi on a live television programme. Let him challenge him one-on-one." Tanko also reiterated Obi's stance that the current administration has failed to address the country's pressing challenges, questioning Tinubu's capacity for a demanding debate.

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It will be interesting if Tinubu can agree to debate with Mr Peter Obi on a live television programme. Let him challenge him one-on-one. We are not talking about all those his surrogates jumping up and down here. Let him speak to issues, especially what he has done. Let him address the salient points Obi raised in his interview, assuming he can do it.