The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has offered reasons for the absence of its presidential candidate for the 2023 elections in Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from the debate put together by Arise TV on Sunday.
The debate was put together by Arise TV and some other groups for Nigerians to hear directly from the candidates.
Explaining the reasons for the absence of Tinubu in a statement on Monday, the Director, Public Affairs and Spokespersons, Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo, said: “The APC Presidential Candidate in the forthcoming 2023 Presidential Election, ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU, did not attend the Presidential Debate organised by ARISE TV on Sunday, November 6, 2022, for the following reasons:
“Firstly, many radio and TV networks in Nigeria have indicated interests to host such debates and out of deference to other TV and radio stations, our candidate will not be making selective appearances in some networks, whilst ignoring others. As President of Nigeria, by the Special Grace of God, he intends to treat all persons and businesses fairly and equally.
“Secondly, the busy and hectic campaign schedules of Asiwaju Tinubu will not permit him to honour all such invitations by different radio and TV networks, hence our decision for him not to start with one TV station and later ignore others.
“Thirdly, our candidate had long before now realised the importance of speaking directly to Nigerians and shortly after unfolding his Action Plan as President embarked on Town Hall meetings beginning with his interaction with the Business Community and other stakeholders in Kano followed by the Town Hall meeting and presentation by experts last week in Lagos. Tomorrow, he will be interacting with Agro and Commodity Groups in Minna, Niger State.
“Whilst we thank Arise TV for the invitation, we want to assure Nigerians that we shall continue to hold these debate groups and Nigerians in high esteem. Nigerians will hear from our candidate loud and clear through other forums.
“Lastly, out of profound respect for Nigerians, we urge all our party structures and supporters at the grassroots to continue to organise town hall meetings to educate Nigerians on the Action Plan of our candidate as we believe a grassroots-approach to reach Nigerians will also be more profound.”
Tinubu was not the only major candidate from the election absent at the debate.
Also absent was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, who was represented by his running mate and Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
The candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, was the only candidate among the top three at the debate.
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
