The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Muhammad Buhari to a fresh debate in any venue of the President’s choice.
Both leading candidates failed to appear for the debate with Buhari claiming his work schedule prevented him.
But Atiku said he boycotted the debate due to the absence of the incumbent Muhammadu Buhari.
“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,” Atiku said.
“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.”
“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 apologised to other presidential candidates over his decision to boycott the debate, and challenged Buhari to a fresh debate.
“Secondly, with all due respect to my fellow candidates, Fela Durotoye, Oby Ezekwesili, Kingsley Moghalu and to the moderator Mark Sugar and with apologies to all Nigerians here and at home expecting an interesting debate, I regret that 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.”