The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu has justified his absence at Sunday’s presidential debate organised by Arise TV.
Slated to attend the live debates put together by Arise TV in conjunction with Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) were Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Atiku Abubakar of the APC, Labour Party, New Nigerian People’s Party and the Peoples Democratic Party.
While Atiku Abubakar was represented by his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, Tinubu was absent.
The duo of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso were present at the event.
The presidential candidate of the People’s Redemption Party, Kola Abiola whose name was not in the initial list made available to the media was also in attendance.
While clarifying his absence, Minister of State, Labour and Employment who incidentally is the Director, Public Affairs and Spokesperson, Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo said the APC presidential candidate decided to stay away for many reasons.
Among reasons listed by Keyamo were Tinubu’s busy schedule, his preference to speak directly to the electorate through town hall interactive sessions.
The Minister of Labour also argued that “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.
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