The presidential campaign council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that its candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not feature at Sunday’s Arise TV presidential debate because of his resolve to avoid “selective appearances in some networks”, and his “hectic campaign” schedule.
Arise TV had scheduled what it described as a “town hall meeting”, which was eventually attended by the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, while his counterpart in the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar sent his running mate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
In a statement by the spokesman of the APC presidential campaign organisation, Barrister Festus Keyamo said: “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”.
