I shunned Presidential debate due to Buhari’s Absence – Atiku

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, , has explained why he shunned the 2019 Presidential debate organized by the Nigeria Elections Debate Group (NEDG) and the Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria (BON).

Mr Atiku a former Vice-President, in a press release said he will not go on with the debate due to President Buhari’s absence.

” With all due respect to my fellow candidates, Fela Durotoye, Oby Ezekwesili, Kingsley Moghalu and to the moderator and with all apologies to my Fellow Nigerians here and at home expecting an interesting debate, I regret that I will not be able to go on with this debate due to President Buhari’s absence,” he said.

He further added that the candidates came for a Presidential debate, not a candidacy debate, “and I, Atiku Abubakar can not challenge or question an administration where the man at the helm of the affairs of the nation is not present to defend himself or his policies. After all you cannot shave a man’s head in his absence.

“I do not believe in attacking a man who is NOT here to defend himself. As a leader and former vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, let me first apologise to all Nigerians, my fellow candidates and the moderator for the APC Presidential Candidates absence in this debate. His non-appearance is a slight on ALL of us and our democracy.”

Mr Atiku, however, challenged the President Buhari to choose a date and time for a debate where he will be present and he (Atiku) will be there.
“I, however, challenge the President Buhari to choose a date and time for a debate where he will be present and I will be there, hopefully with the other candidates as well. Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”