Following People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar‘s decision to boycott the 2019 presidential debate currently holding in Abuja, Nigerians have reacted with mixed emotions.
Atiku had walked out on the debate stating that he would not participate because of President Muhammadu Buhari’s failure to show up at said debate. In a statement released on his Twitter page, the former Vice President 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.”
Some Nigerians have faulted Atiku claiming he has missed an opportunity to defend himself while others have hailed him for the move. See the reactions:
Buhari not showing up for the debate is unacceptable behaviour
He should show up to speak about why he needs to be voted in again. This sort of behaviour is inexcusable.
Atiku boycotting the debate shows he has zero regard for Nigerians
— Osi (@Osi_Suave) January 19, 2019
See, if you’re angry Atiku showed up at the venue, yet refused to debate because Buhari is not there, you’re in your place. Your anger is fair. But (this is not even my obvious bias talking), if you understand the elements at play, you’ll see why he’s not debating. #2019debates
— Chidi Okereke (@Chydee) January 19, 2019
After all is said and done:
Atiku showed up.
Atiku explained why he can’t debate.
Atiku took responsibility for his decision.
Atiku apologised to Nigerians.And Atiku will continue to talk to Nigerians at every opportunity but he won’t make himself the easy target.
— 'Demola Olarewaju (@DemolaRewaju) January 19, 2019
I agree with @atiku. It is a presidential debate, not a candidacy debate. Without @MBuhari there, the whole thing is a charade. With respect, none of @obyezeks, @feladurotoye or @MoghaluKingsley is a force to reckon with in this election and they know it. #PresidentialDebate2019
— AbujaLawyer (@KelechiOparaku) January 19, 2019
What I find interesting is that it is mostly Atiku, not Buhari, getting flak on the TL for not showing up.
It shows where people's expectations lay.
— Andy Obuoforibo (@andyRoidO) January 19, 2019
Smart political decision by Atiku not to debate without Buhari. If he had, it would have been about him and he would have been torn apart by the younger and more eloquent candidates. If Buhari was there, they would all have been attacking him. But without Buhari…
— Oloye Akin Alabi (@akinalabi) January 19, 2019
Atiku should have gone on to debate. You have to respect the other candidates whether or not you think you are competing with Buhari. This is our General problem in this country, not respecting others
— Big Cuz (@imohumoren) January 19, 2019
Buhari ran because he knew he will be torn apart by every other person.
Atiku ran because he knew, in Buhari’s absence, he will be the one to be torn apart by a younger more intellectual team of opponents.
In the end, both Buhari and Atiku are fraudulent intellectual cowards.
— #OurFavOnlineDoc 🩺 🇬🇧 (@OurFavOnlineDoc) January 19, 2019
Atiku has challenged President Buhari to another debate at a place and time of his convenience.
