The Presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress Bola Tinubu late Sunday evening explained his absence at the debate organised by the Arise Television and the Centre for Democracy and Development.
Tinubu had stayed away from the debate which was attended by the candidate of the Labour Party Peter Obi; his New Nigerian People party Musa Kwankwaso and that of his People’s Redemption Party Lola Abiola.
Tinubu’s counterpart in the Peoples Democratic Party Atiku Abubakar who was also absent was represented by his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa.
Explaining his absence, the Director of Public Communication and spokesman of the campaign Festus Keyamo, said Tinubu had set a parameter to address town hall meetings and would not attend debates as being put up by the various media organizations.
The statement by Keyamo said the campaign schedule of the APC candidate is such that he can not be expected to attend every debate.
Read Full Text of the statement
PRESS STATEMENT
TINUBU/SHETTIMA PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL EXPLAINS OUR CANDIDATE’S ABSENCE AT ARISE TV DEBATE
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.
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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.
Thank you.
FESTUS KEYAMO,SAN, FCIArb (UK)
Director, Public Affairs and Spokespersons, Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.
* Hon. Minister of State, Labour and Employment