By Osadebamwen
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to a public debate on key policy issues ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that Nigerians deserve clear explanations and competing solutions from the major political parties.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the call during a television interview while discussing fuel subsidy, economic reforms and the record of the Bola Tinubu administration.
Abdullahi said the debate should move beyond political rhetoric, challenging APC to defend its economic policies while allowing the opposition to present its alternatives.
“If they want to have a conversation, let us have a conversation,” Abdullahi said, insisting that the ADC was prepared to engage the ruling party on the contentious fuel subsidy issue.
He specifically proposed a debate between himself and the APC spokesperson, saying, “We can start by bringing the spokesperson of APC and bringing me, and let us debate this subsidy issue.”
“Let us debate it in front of Nigerians,” he added.
APC chieftain, Tunde Bank-Anthony, who appeared on the programme alongside Abdullahi, said the debate should not be restricted to politicians, arguing that independent economists should also be brought into the discussion to properly assess the country’s economic position.
“It doesn’t have to be you or the spokesman of our party. Bring economists, even independent economists who analyse where we are today,” Bank-Anthony said.
He also questioned the financial implications of ADC’s proposal to subsidise fuel production, asking,
“What are we talking about? What is going to pay for it?”
He urged Nigerians and political parties to be realistic about the cost and sustainability of proposed alternatives.
Abdullahi, however, maintained that the ADC had a solution and was prepared to defend it publicly, particularly its proposal for production, targeted and means-tested subsidies.
The proposed debate comes as the 2027 campaign season gets underway, with economic reforms, fuel prices and the cost of living expected to remain major issues in the presidential contest.
For ADC, Abdullahi said, the debate would give Nigerians an opportunity to hear parties explain not only what they oppose but also how they intend to address the country’s economic challenges.
