Tinubu ridiculed for Nigeria presidential debate snub

There has been controversy in Nigeria after the governing APC party presidential candidate decided to boycott a debate organised for presidential candidates ahead of elections next year.

Bola Tinubu was among four contenders invited for the event put together by the Centre for Democracy and Development and Arise TV station on Sunday.

Peter Obi of the Labour party and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP participated in the debate – where they spoke about some of their policies regarding the economy, security and corruption, as well as national unity.

However, the absence of both Mr Tinubu and his running mate has become a talking point.

Many Nigerians on social media criticised him for what they say was avoiding questions on critical national issues and issues surrounding his politics.

But a spokesperson for Mr Tinubu’s campaign, Festus Keyamo, has defended his boss’ no-show saying “many radio and TV networks in Nigeria have indicated interests to host such debates’’ and that the candidate would not be “making selective appearance’’ on some networks and ignore others.

Mr Keyamo added that Mr Tinubu’s “hectic campaign schedules’’ would not allow him to honour all the debate invitations.

Instead of attending debates with other candidates, the ruling party flagbearer is “speaking directly to Nigeria’’ through town hall meetings.

Many Nigerians seem unconvinced by the Tinubu campaign office’s explanation with some saying he was avoiding the debate because he could not stand its rigour and scrutiny.

Atiku Abubakar of the main opposition PDP was also absent but was represented by his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa.

Nigeria – Africa’s largest democracy – is due to hold elections in February to choose a successor to President Muhammadu Buhari who is serving his second and final term in office.

BBC Africa