Alhaji Atiku Abubakar on Saturday, walked out of the Nigeria Election Debate Group, stating that President Muhammadu Buhari’s absence is a slight on Nigeria’s democracy.

The People’s Democratic Party flag-bearer who arrived at the venue with his entourage said that can not 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.

He further apologised to all Nigerians and the other presidential candidates adding that he’ll like to challenge Buhari to choose a date and time for a debate soon.

Atiku said, “We came here for a Presidential debate, not a candidacy debate, and I, Atiku Abubakar can not 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. After all you cannot shave a man’s head in his absence.

“I do not believe in attacking a man who is NOT here to defend himself. As a leader and former vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, let me first apologise to all Nigerians, my fellow candidates and the moderator for the APC Presidential Candidates absence in this debate.

“His non-appearance is a slight on ALL of us and our democracy.

“Secondly, with all due respect to my fellow candidates, Fela Durotoye, Oby Ezekwesili, Kingsley Moghalu and to the moderator and with all apologies to my Fellow Nigerians here and at home expecting an interesting debate, I regret that I will not be able to go on with this debate due to President Buhari’s absence.

“I, however, challenge the President Buhari to choose a date and time for a debate where he will be present and I will be there, hopefully with the other candidates as well.

Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

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