The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has explained his decision not to participate in tonight’s presidential debate despite going to the venue.
Atiku, in a series of tweets, said his decision was informed by the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari.
See tweets:
We came here for a Presidential debate, not a candidacy debate, and I, Atiku Abubakar cannot challenge or question an administration where the man at the helm of the affairs of the nation is not present to defend himself or his policies. #2019Debate pic.twitter.com/crperoO3tT
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) January 19, 2019
Afterall, you cannot shave a man's head in his absence. I do not believe in attacking a man who is NOT here to defend himself.
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) January 19, 2019
As a leader and former vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, let me first apologise to all Nigerians, my fellow candidates and the moderator for the APC Presidential Candidate’s absence in this debate. His non-appearance is a slight on ALL of us and our democracy.
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) January 19, 2019
With respect to my fellow candidates, Fela Durotoye, Oby Ezekwesili, Kingsley Moghalu & to moderator Mark Sugar & with apologies to Nigerians here & at home expecting an interesting debate, I regret I will not be able to go on with this debate due to President Buhari's absence.
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) January 19, 2019
I however challenge President Buhari to choose a date and time for a debate where he will be present and I will be there, hopefully with the other candidates as well.
Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Atiku Abubakar
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) January 19, 2019