President Muhamadu Buhari, APC Presidential candidate was absent at the 2019 NEDG/BON Presidential debate which took place today, January 19th at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja.
The presidential candidates in attendance include; Oby Ezekwesili of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Fela Durotoye of theAlliance for New Democracy (ANN) and Kingsley Moghalu of the Young Progressives Party (YPP).
Atiku arrived the venue of the debate but backed out last minute allegedly because of president Buhari’s absent, which he described as a slight on other candidates present for the debate.
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
The president was instead in Niger State campaigning for election.
Thank you Minna, thank you Niger State. We will continue to ensure that the resources of Nigeria work for all of the people of the country. We will ensure the completion and full commencement of operations of the Gurara and Zungeru Hydro Power Plants, both in Niger State. pic.twitter.com/qeiYPggmt4
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) January 19, 2019