February 2, 2015 – For the second time in two weeks, Presidential flag-bearer of the All Progressive Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari has pull out of the presidential debate put together by the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Channels Television and Arise TV.
The debate was scheduled for February 3rd in Lagos and to be broadcast live on major television stations.
Buhari had pulled out of a similar debate put together by Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria(BON) in conjunction with other private organisations on account that the organisers are affiliated to the Federal Government and the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP). He added that he will not participate in a debate organised by people who have tarnished his name.
Speaking on Channels today, Director of Communication and Strategy in the Buhari/Osibanjo Campaign Organisation, Mr. Dele Alake said the APC is pulling out of the debate because it has intelligence reports that suggest that the organizers were sponsored by government and the PDP.
He said the party came about the decision after multi-level verification of intelligence.
Besides, he said that members of the public also prevailed on the APC not to take part in the debate but that the APC will take part in a debate that would be organised by private individuals who have no affiliation to any political party.
He said that the APC will however attend a presidential debate that would take place at Terra Kulture in Victoria Island, Lagos.
He however refused to give names of individuals and organisations behind the Terra Kulture Presidential debate.
