Atiku Explains Why He Did Not Participate In The NEDG/BON Presidential Debate
Yesterday, Atiku failed to appear NEDG/BON Presidential debate even though he flew in from the U.S on Saturday, January 19th to be a part of the debate.
In a series of tweets, Atiku Abubakar explained that he was at the venue for the debate and was ready to participate in the debate but when he found out that President Buhari was not going to be a part of the debate, he decided to not partake in it.
Read his explanation below:
I arrived the Congress Hall of the Hilton venue of the #2019Debate. This debate and the election is a referendum on the incumbent.
We came here for a Presidential debate, not a candidacy debate, and I, Atiku Abubakar cannot 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. #2019Debate
Afterall, 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 Candidate’s absence in this debate. His non-appearance is a slight on ALL of us and our democracy
With respect to my fellow candidates, Fela Durotoye, Oby Ezekwesili, Kingsley Moghalu & to moderator Mark Sugar & with apologies to Nigerians here & at home expecting an interesting debate, I regret I will not be able to go on with this debate due to President Buhari's absence.
I however challenge 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.