The Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council has given reasons why the APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not attend the Presidential Debate organised by Arise TV on Sunday, November 6, 2022.
The Presidential Candidates of the Labour Party (LP) Mr. Peter Obi, New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) Mr. Kola Abiola, appeared in a Townhall meeting anchored by Arise TV’s Reuben Abatti on Sunday. They appeared along side the Vice-Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic People, who represented the Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
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The APC candidate was missing at the interactive townhall held in the Lagos hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
In a statement signed by Festus Keyamo, Director; Public Affairs and Spokespersons, Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, the council gave reasons why Tinubu didn’t attend the townhall;
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.
Keyamo went to thank Arise TV for the invitation, while assuring Nigerians that they shall continue to hold the debate groups and Nigerians in high esteem.
“Nigerians will hear from our candidate loud and clear through other forums,” Keyamo added.
Nnamdi Maduakor is a Writer, Investor and Entrepreneur
