The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, says he failed to attend the presidential debate organised by ARISE TV on Sunday because of his campaign schedules.

Tinubu said his hectic schedules will not permit him to honour all invitations by different radio and TV stations, stressing that he would not attend one broadcast station and later ignore others.

He made this known via a statement issued on Monday by the spokesperson of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo.

Keyamo, who is also the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, stated that the APC presidential candidate would not make selective appearances in some networks, adding that the former governor of Lagos State had long before now realised the importance of speaking directly to Nigerians.

The minister stated: “Firstly, many radio and TV networks in Nigeria have indicated interests to host such debates and out of deference to other TV and radio stations, our candidate will not be making selective appearances in some networks, whilst ignoring others. As President of Nigeria, by the Special Grace of God, he intends to treat all persons and businesses fairly and equally.

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“Secondly, the busy and hectic campaign schedules of Asiwaju Tinubu will not permit him to honour all such invitations by different radio and TV networks, hence our decision for him not to start with one TV station and later ignore others.

“Thirdly, our candidate had long before now realised the importance of speaking directly to Nigerians and shortly after unfolding his Action Plan as President embarked on Town Hall meetings beginning with his interaction with the Business Community and other stakeholders in Kano followed by the Town Hall meeting and presentation by experts last week in Lagos. Tomorrow, he will be interacting with Agro and Commodity Groups in Minna, Niger State.

“Whilst we thank Arise TV for the invitation, we want to assure Nigerians that we shall continue to hold these debate groups and Nigerians in high esteem. Nigerians will hear from our candidate loud and clear through other forums.

“Lastly, out of profound respect for Nigerians, we urge all our party structures and supporters at the grassroots to continue to organise town hall meetings to educate Nigerians on the Action Plan of our candidate as we believe a grassroots-approach to reach Nigerians will also be more profound,” he said.

The Star