The refusal by the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ), General Muhammadu Buhari, to participate in the proposed presidential debate organised by the Nigeria Electoral Debate Group (NEDG), has been described as a sign of negative change that is not healthy for our democracy at all.
The Arise Africa Youth Coalition handed the warning on Thursday, while reacting to the statement from Buhari’s campaign team, noting that it was the first open democratic exercise that any serious minded and visionary candidate would engage him/herself based on international standards to sell their manifestos to the electorate. According to Comrade Oluwasanmi Solomon , National Mobilizer of the Arise Africa Youth Coalition, Buhari’s non participation in the debate showed that he was scared to expose his ineptitude.
He said, it was only proper that the former Head of State gave the electorates an opportunity to peak into his intellectual capacity.
He alleged that it was rather unfortunate that the APC Presidential candidate who has been accused of not possessing the required academic qualification to contest the elections will shy away from the only opportunity to prove his detractors wrong.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, Comr. Oluwasanmi who stated that the people were the most important ingredient in a democracy, advised Buhari to go back to his handlers to understudy the tenets of democracy.
“It is rather unfortunate that the General is yet to understand how democracy works. This system is about the people, and the peoples’ decision should be paramount. The people have asked for a debate Buhari should oblige them to show how people oriented he will be as president”. He said.
Speaking further the civil rights activist also berated the APC for supporting their candidate in his refusal to participate in the debate. He noted that the change longed for, was one that will carry the people along and not a change that will be anchored on a cabal or a person wish as a command to the masses.”
While challenging the party, Oluwasanmi called on the APC “to prove their popular claim of being a body of intellectuals by coming out face Jonathan during the debate. He said the debate will not only put paid to Buhari’s certificate sagacity also expose his intellectual capability.
