Debate: Jonathan urges Ribadu, Buhari, Shekarau to join him

Posted by admin Goodluck Jonathan (2010-present), Presidency, Top Stories Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday said he would participate in the presidential debate being organised by the Nigerian Elections Debate Group on Wednesday (today). He also expressed his desire to have the other candidates, who have decided to boycott the event, join him in the debate.

The President spoke through a statement from his spokesman, Mr. Ima Niboro.

The statement said Jonathan would honour the invitation in “keeping with his commitment” to participate in the programme.

Jonathan had earlier shunned a similar event organised by NN24, an independent broadcaster.

The NN24 debate was attended by the President’s major rivals in Action Congress of Nigeria candidate, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd), and the All Nigeria Peoples Party’s candidate, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau.

In retaliation, Ribadu, Buhari and Shekarau announced their decision to boycott the NEDG debate, a development that would make Jonathan the only participant.

Vice President Namadi Sambo was the sole participant in the debate organised by the NEDG for vice presidential candidates on Monday.

In the statement, Jonathan expressed hopes thatthe three candidates would reverse their decision to boycott the event.

The statement reads, “In keeping with his declared commitment, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will honour the invitation extended to him by the Nigerian Elections Debate Group to participate in the Presidential Debate scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, March 30, 2011.

“President Jonathan looks forward to availing himself of the fresh opportunity of the debate to further present his strong case for re-election to the widest possible audience of Nigerians on radio and television.

“While the President hopes that the other invited presidential candidates will review their announced decision to not participate in the debate and deny millions of Nigerians of a great opportunity to critically assess their contending platforms and policy options, his attendance is not contingent on their doing so.”

It said Jonathan was totally prepared to convince millions of Nigerians that giving him a fresh presidential mandate was the best way forward for the country.

-Punchwp_posts