In a statement released today, the APC announced that its party candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari will not be participating in the Broadcast Organisation of Nigeria presidential debate. Smart move or no? More details on the click.
If you were looking forward to a Goodluck Johnathan / Muhammadu Buhari debate, you might be waiting a lot longer. In a statement released today by the APC’s Media and Publicity Director, Garna Shehu, the party announced the Gen will not be participating in any organized by the BON. From the official statement:
A salutary inspection of the composition of the NEGD [Nigeria Election Debate Group] brings into focus the BON [Broadcast Organisation of Nigeria], NTA [National Television Authority], FRCN [Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria] and AIT [Africa Independent Television].
Going by the avalanche of inflammatory statements, misinformation and blatant lies being propagated by some of these media against our party and candidates contrary to the Koffi Annan-brokered Abuja Peace Accord, and the failure of these aggressors to desist and apologise, have left the APC Campaign with no option than to steer clear of any premeditated smear campaign that could be inimical to our prospective electoral success.
The statement goes on to note:
The boycott by the APC should not be seen as disrespect to Nigerian voters, or an alibi for the party to dodge public scrutiny.
It must be viewed as an honourable right not to consent to any activity that could distract, demean, denigrate or derail the fast-moving train of the party.
Read the entire statement at ThePunch.
What do you think? Is it smart for the General not to participate in debates on the noted platforms?
