Atiku Abubakar, Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, explains why he will not participate in the debate

ATIKU Abubakar, presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party has challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to a debate. He stated this after he declined to participate in the presidential debate today after he arrived venue only to discover that Buhari was not there.

“I arrived the Congress Hall of the Hilton venue of the #2019Debate. This debate and the election is a referendum on the incumbent.

“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.

“With respect to my fellow candidates, Fela Durotoye, Oby Ezekwesili, Kingsley Moghalu and to moderator Mark Sugar and 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.

“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 said.

– Jan. 19, 2019 @ 8:34 GMT /