The All Progressive Congress has said that its presidential flag bearer for the 2023 election Ashiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu boycotted the town hall meeting in Abuja in respect for other radio and television stations.
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the APC’s presidential candidate, and Senator Kashim Shettima, his running mate, were conspicuously missing in Abuja on Sunday during the presidential debate organised by the Center for Democracy and Development, CDD, Arise Television, Premium Times, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, and the Nigerian Union of Journalists.
However, while Bola Tinubu and his deputy Kashim Shettima were absent, three presidential candidates: Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), Chief Kola Abiola of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) were present.
Also, the People Democratic Party presidential flagbearer, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who could not made it to the debate because he travelled out of the country sent his running mate Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to represent him.
Meanwhile, the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council through APC Chief Spokesman, Mr Festus Keyamo SAN, has in a release provided an explanation for Tinubu’s absence.
Keyamo said: “Bola Tinubu did not attend the Presidential Debate organised by ARISE TV on Sunday, November 6.”
The statement read:
“Firstly, many radio and TV networks in Nigeria have indicated an interest in hosting such debates, and out of deference to other TV and radio stations, our candidate will not be making selective appearances on some networks, while ignoring others.
”As President of Nigeria, by the Special Grace of God, he intends to treat all persons and businesses fairly and equally. You can read more of such stories at Credible News.
“Secondly, the busy and hectic campaign schedules of Asiwaju Bola 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 (Monday), 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.”
You can read more of such stories at Credible News and The Cheer News
-
- YABATECH Stakeholders Unite to Create Ambitious Five-Year Renewed Hope Blueprint for the College
-
-
