2023: Tinubu may not attend any presidential debate, says campaign team

The presidential campaign team of Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) has made indication that he(Tinubu)  may not attend any presidential debates before the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria.

Penpushing reports that, indication to this was contained, in a statement issued by spokesman of the campaign organization, Festus Keyamo in reaction to Tinubu’s failure to attend the presidential debate organised by Arise Television and a civic group.

The spokesperson of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) in defence of Tinubu absence at the debate, said the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate was trying to avoid what the campaign team considered as selective appearance.

Penpushing further report that, the statement, said several television stations have indicated interest to host similar events, but declared that, Tinubu has no plan to attend any, rather prefers to speak to Nigerians directly.

“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 on some networks, whilst ignoring others,” he said.

Penpushing also reports that, Keyamo in the statement, said the candidate cannot afford to attend one debate while ignoring others, arguing further that, Tinubu has other engagements and so is unable to attend the debate series.

The campaign team imagemaker in the statement added that the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will prefer speaking directly with voters through town hall meetings and campaign rallies.

‘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 on 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’, Keyamo wrote.

‘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’, the statement reads.

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’, the campaign team added

‘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’, Keyamo stated.

Penpushing reports that Tinubu’s decision to avoid the debates prior to February’s general election has received condemnation from millions of voters, with many of them raising concerns of his penchant for avoiding public scrutiny.

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