Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for president, has explained why he won’t be participating in Sunday’s presidential debate hosted by Arise TV.
Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Atiku Abubakar, representatives of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party, New Nigerian People’s Party, and Peoples Democratic Party, were scheduled to participate in the live debates organized by Arise TV in collaboration with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
Ifeanyi Okowa, Atiku Abubakar’s running mate, was present, but Tinubu was not.
Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, a team, were in attendance.
Kola Abiola, the People’s Redemption Party’s presidential candidate, who wasn’t on the initial list made available to the media, was also present.
Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Labor and Employment, who also serves as Director of Public Affairs and Spokesperson for the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, explained the APC presidential candidate’s decision to stay away by citing a variety of factors.
Keyamo cited a number of factors, including Tinubu’s hectic schedule and his propensity to contact with voters during interactive town hall meetings.
In addition, the Minister of Labour asserted that “many radio and television networks in Nigeria have expressed interest in hosting such debates and out of respect for other TV and radio stations, our candidate will not be making selective appearances in some networks, while ignoring others. “As president of Nigeria, by the special grace of God, he intends to treat all persons and businesses fairly and equally.”
“Second, Asiwaju Tinubu’s busy and hectic campaign schedules will not allow him to honor all such invitations by different radio and TV networks, hence our choice for him not to start with one TV station and thereafter snub others,” the rest of his statement continued.
“Thirdly, our candidate had long since realized the value of speaking directly to Nigerians and shortly after unveiling his action plan as president, he began holding town hall meetings, first engaging with the business community and other stakeholders in Kano and then hosting a town hall meeting and expert presentation last week in Lagos. He will speak with agricultural and commodity groups in Minna, Niger State, tomorrow.
“While we appreciate the invitation from Arise TV, we want to reassure Nigerians that we would continue to value both these debating groups and Nigerians. Through other forums, Nigerians will hear from our candidate loud and clear.
“Last but not least, we urge all our party structures and grassroots supporters to continue organizing town hall meetings to inform Nigerians on the Action Plan of our candidate because we believe a grassroots approach to reaching Nigerians will also be more significant,” the statement said.
