By John Ikani
Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has explained why its presidential candidate for the 2023 polls, Bola Tinubu shunned Sunday’s Town Hall meeting of presidential candidates in Abuja organised by Arise Television and a group, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
CDD and Arise TV had invited Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the debate.
According to the organisers, the four candidates were selected based on the performance of their parties in an online survey by the organisers during which all the 18 political parties were listed in alphabetical order.
However, the vice-presidential candidate of the PDP, Ifeanyi Okowa represented Atiku, while Tinubu neither appeared nor send a representative.
Consequently, Kola Abiola of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) was later added to the list of candidates to participate in the event.
At the townhall series focused on two issues – security and the economy, candidates laid out agendas for a better Nigeria.
Explaining Tinubu’s absence, the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, in a statement by its Chief Spokesman, Mr. Festus Keyamo, said “Tinubu did not attend the Presidential Debate organised by ARISE TV on Sunday, November 6, 2022, for a number of reasons that include busy and hectic campaign schedules.”
What Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council is saying
Keyamo said: “Firstly, many radio and TV networks in Nigeria have indicated interest 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.”
