PDP Opts out of Presidential Debate
11 Mar 2011

Dr. Haliru Mohammed, PDP Acting Nattional Chairman


By Imam Imam in Lagos and Chuks Okocha in Abuja

As the presidential debate organised by the Network News 24 Television (NN24 TV) kicks off Friday, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it will not participate in the debate as the party was not properly invited.

And commenting on the debate controversy, Special Adviser to the President on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Mr. Oronto Douglas, said while President Goodluck Jonathan is not afraid of debate, the organisers were acting in an uncoordinated manner.

According to the schedule of programmes for the debate unveiled yesterday by the organisers, the vice-presidential candidates of four political parties – the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), PDP, All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) – will participate in the television debate to be aired in all Nigerian television stations, BEN TV in the United Kingdom, Sky Television from 6 to 9 pm Friday.

But the PDP Presidential Campaign Council said the party’s presidential candidate, Jonathan, and his running mate, Alhaji Namadi Sambo, were not properly invited and therefore would not be taking part in the debate.

The Council’s Director of Media and Publicity, Mallam Abba Dabo, told THISDAY that the party was currently in campaigns and that Sambo has party activities in Kano Friday.

According to Dabo, “we were not properly invited. Moreover, the vice-president will be attending a PDP reconciliation meeting in Kano tomorrow (Friday) and so he will not be attending. The party is currently in the middle of its campaigns and therefore PDP will not be participating in the television debate, whether for the president or for the vice-president.”

It was further gathered that PDP backed out of the television debate because there were no concrete agreements on the nature of questions to be asked and how to admit the studio audience.

PDP, it was gathered, felt the presidential debate was a bait for some of the political parties to embarrass its presidential candidate and the running mate.

Releasing the details of the presidential debate to be anchored by Jonathan Mann of the Cable News Network (CNN) and Khadaria Ahmed of the NEXT newspaper, the trio of Anthony Dara of the NN24 TV, Newspaper Columnist Haruna Adamu and Clement Baite said that they had an agreement in principle that all the four listed political parties would attend.

On why the organisers were limiting the number of political parties to be invited to only four, Dara, who is the Chief Executive Officer of NN24 TV, said they took into cognizance the issues of spread and reach of the political parties before extending their invitation.

But the presidential candidate of the Hope Democratic Party (HDP), Ambrose Oworu, told journalists that the organisers were myopic and out to cause mischief.

“How can they not invite all the political parties that are fielding candidates at the presidential elections? What are the criteria for inviting only four, if not for the purposes of mischief and myopism?” he asked.

Also another group, the Nigeria Election Debate Group headed by the former Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Taiwo Alimi, will between March 28 and 30 organise their own version of television debate for all the presidential candidates and their running mates.

Meanwhile, Douglas told journalists in Lagos Wednesday night that a lack of coordination among the debate organisers was the major hindrance to the president's participation.

He said so far, no fewer than four groups had invited Jonathan to participate in their debates, a situation he said was almost impossible considering the tight schedule of the president.

He said with the campaigns gaining momentum by the day, the president had been busy visiting almost two states per day, “so it is difficult to abandon the campaign for multiple debates”.

Douglas said since the campaign schedules were drawn up over a month ago, altering them at this point would create logistical problems for the campaign team.

"The president is not afraid of debate. The insinuation in some quarters that he is shying away from facing his co-contestants is not true. As a former teacher, the president is not afraid of facing such challenges. He is focussed and wants avenues to further remind Nigerians what he has done for the country and what he intends to do if elected," he said.

The presidential aide said the last few months had provided opportunity for Jonathan to reaffirm his commitment to the country, adding that already, a majority of the people had keyed into his message of unity, stability and hope.

He urged Nigerians to keep faith with the president, adding that everything promised them during the campaign would be fulfilled after May 29.

"Don’t forget the fact that Mr. President has overtime proven to be the symbol of unity for the entire country. You can see from his campaign messages that the era of divisive politics is over. He is today telling all Nigerians that they can achieve their potentials and that a conducive atmosphere is being created for all persons to achieve their full greatness," he added.



http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/pdp-opts-out-of-presidential-debate/87658/

^^

Excellent write up and good points above, time to lay this issue of debate to rest once and for all. The others can go ahead and participate in this debate but people should try and respect other people's choices.

^^^ You say their choices?? Wow!! So the electorates right and choice to know about their candidate is nothing to worry about?

pulling out at the last minute and feeding nigerians with crap?? do these guys (pdp/jonathan) think they can bullshit nigerians with these rubbish excuses

Only an insane person wuld vote 4 pdp.

Only Failures give excuses in life, what a shame

PeeDaVinci:

pulling out at the last minute and feeding nigerians with crap?? do these guys (pdp/jonathan) think they can bullshit nigerians with these rubbish excuses

It is certain CPC will not present themselves either, at least past records bear that out were the only toppish party at a debate was ACN. The main contenders believe they will be giving minnows a footing they shouldn't have, so let the political minnows get on the campaign trail instead.

Also, the TV stations need to be much better organised, then we might have debates. But it isn't a right.

Although the handlers of Jonathan have manufactured a litany of excuses that we cannot challenge legally, the decision not to partake in a debate is disappointing to say the least.  Whether they (the handlers) like it or not, the barrage of excuses, some of them belated and ludicrous, have further equipped those who say that Mr Jonathan cannot hold his own or articulate his vision for the country in an atmosphere of debate.

Basically, Nigerians are not looking forward to a debate where a winner would emerge in a 'secondary school' fashion.  We only need to see the 'passion', 'character' and 'drive' that our aspiring leaders possess to solve our perennial and burgeoning problems. And you can display these qualities without necessarily being a good orator. Indeed, is there any among Jonathan's closest rivals (Buhari and Ribadu) that can shame him in terms of oratory power?

Sincerely, I do not think that Mr Jonathan has handled this well.

Naah!! This is not Good at all!! He should go and attend the debate!! Anybody looking to lead the country shouldn't shudder at the prospect of defending himself from attack by his opponents no matter the callousness and uncultured nature of the attacks!

If Jonathan and Sambo don't attend this debate I would either sit at home on election day or or use my vote for the next best candidate which is Ribadu!!!

My belief though is that towards the day of the debate, probably on the 17th, the President's camp will announce their willingness to  debate!! It is a time tested strategy to disarm your enemies!! Two ways- 1)Keep them guessing 2)Give them the opportunity to underestimate your capabilities!!

Obama used this strategy effectively and hopefully that is what the Jonathan camp is trying to do!! If he fails to attend this debate on the flimsy excuse that he has campaigning to do. . . . . . . hmmmmm!!!

. . . and Jonathan Never disappoints. Would PDP n its cohorts ever change? I'm disappointed sha, i was really looking forward to the real GEJ. The last opportunity to win my vote has now been forgone so its definitely BB all the way.

trueword:

PDP, it was gathered, felt the presidential debate was a bait for some of the political parties to embarrass its presidential candidate and the running mate.[/b]

Johnny has nothing to worry about if his closet is clean, this means he has some things to be embarrassed about and by extension he is admitting to being guilty to questionable things. which brings us to why he dont want to answer questions in the first place.

As far as am concerned, all these excuses by Jonathan/PDP is rubbish. If truly they have any real plans to make our lives better, being invited properly will be the last reason why they will chicken out.

As far as am concerned, no one should vote for any absentee because it speaks volumes bout their insensitivity to the people's demands

@PapaBrowne

Now you are beginning to see why some of US can and won't vote for GEJ? excuses here and there, is he trying to say he just heard of the debate? so the useless campaigns they say virtually the same things on is more important than a debate that's going to be aired worldwide?

But the PDP Presidential Campaign Council said the party’s presidential candidate, Jonathan, and his running mate, Alhaji Namadi Sambo, were not properly invited and therefore would not be taking part in the debate.

What constitutes proper invitation? Even if the invitation was not proper, couldn't the President accepted it and then seek to correct the organisers during the debate and use that to score some small points?

Moreover, the vice-president will be attending a PDP reconciliation meeting in Kano tomorrow (Friday) and so he will not be attending

Reconciliation meeting that is of a higher importance than the whole Nigerians?

The party is currently in the middle of its campaigns and therefore PDP will not be participating in the television debate, whether for the president or for the vice-president

Isnt debate another form of campaing even with a wider reach?

It was further gathered that PDP backed out of the television debate because there were no concrete agreements on the nature of questions to be asked and how to admit the studio audience

Mr. President and his deputy want to know before hand the nature of questions to be asked. As a president, I thought this man and his deputy should be ready for any sort of question in whatever form.

So the President is afraid of the studio audience? Haba Jonathan!

PDP, it was gathered, felt the presidential debate was a bait for some of the political parties to embarrass its presidential candidate and the running mate.

See who's talking of embarrassment. It is convenient for the President to refer to some leaders as rascals and he is running away from embarrassment.


Is this man really ready? Is he really worth voting for? The answers are far from "yes"

He has nothing to offer and he is afraid we will find out. Well, newsflash, GEJ, we know you have nothing to offer. We have always known. See you at the polls.

People, we need to hear more names of successful people in our country, not just the PDP govt padis like Dangote

10cirenoh:

@PapaBrowne

Now you are beginning to see why some of US can and won't vote for GEJ? excuses here and there, is he trying to say he just heard of the debate? so the useless campaigns they say virtually the same things on is more important than a debate that's going to be aired worldwide?

Lets wait till the day of the debate! I still believe they will show up!

As much as possible, I try to be objective! Jonathan would have no reasonable excuse to avoid a debate that would be anchored by someone as professional as Jonathan Mann!! No silly excuse like tight campaign schedule would cut it on this one!! Thats flimsy!

However, nothing would make me blind enough to cast my vote for a known dictator/socialist/extremist who through a coup truncated Nigeria's democracy and oppressed and demoralised the true nigerian spirit of freedom and dexterity!!

10cirenoh:

@PapaBrowne

Now you are beginning to see why some of US can and won't vote for GEJ? excuses here and there, is he trying to say he just heard of the debate? so the useless campaigns they say virtually the same things on is more important than a debate that's going to be aired worldwide?

Indeed . If Jonathan is the "fresh air" his fans claim he is , why does he not jump at the chance to move Nigeria towards modern democratic practices? By using facebook , even if cynically, Mr. President is showing that he knows where the world is heading as per the need for leaders to open themselves up to scrutiny and accountability in an age where everyone and everything is being demystified . This is the age in which you must be yourself and , especially if in leadership , be ready for public appraisal or condemnation. failing to attend a public debate just shows the inconsistencies of a very shallow and insincere man totally unprepared for the office he is in.

On facebook he can employ witty writers but when faced with the option of engaging the public he pretends to court , via facebook , he backs down !!!! How many of us know that a mini Presidential debate has occured already ? Yesterday , in Abuja , in response to how all the political Parties were invited to speak formally on their plans for Nigeria ,  Ribadu, Shekarau and Utomi showed up and talked while Buhari and GEJ , though invited , did not appear.  A pattern is forming here . Some are consistently showing up , whenever and wherever required, to defend their plans for Nigeria while others are always too "busy" to be available. This is minimal hints to show that some candidates understand modern political administration and will always be available to answer to the people . GEJ , on the other hand , dodges every single chance to engage the public honestly and without guile. What type of leader will he be if given 4 more years?

Eyi ni ibere opin aye PDP= This is the beginning of the end of PDP

When will Goodluck Jonathan and his boys stop giving excuses for their own failure. I hope they will not be giving us excuse in four years time when they fail to defend the all their promises, this is absurd.

mr president u hv ur reasons. But if u believe everytin uve done and said were good, simply go and defend them. Mr president u shld knw dat d pdp policies wud be brought in question and u hv 2 defend dem and convice us dat it is in our best intrest.
It is nt by shaking hands wt obama, even obama had 2 convice americans dat d democrat policies like d health care bill, tax cut, immigration law were in dia best intrest.
Mr president make urself look different 4rm the others. Gud luck 2 u as u campaign

I have always said it. GEJ does not have anything to offer this country. He is not prepare for where he has found himself. All that he has ever achieved political, someone somewhere made him. Well I know they have made up there mind to rig him in at all cost. If they do that successfully and GEJ is made to rule this country for another 4 years, mark my word, it will take GOd for things not to get terribly worse. God help Nigeria.

I hate PDP.

Ben-10:

I hate PDP.

lol!

Pharoh:

^^
Excellent write up and good points above, time to lay this issue of debate to rest once and for all. The others can go ahead and participate in this debate but people should try and respect other people's choices.

I dont think Mr. President is running away from the debate but as stated, he is really busy.

I think most candidates invited are not better than him in explaining things.

According to Dabo, “we were not properly invited. Moreover, the vice-president will be attending a PDP reconciliation meeting in Kano tomorrow (Friday) and so he will not be attending. The party is currently in the middle of its campaigns and therefore PDP will not be participating in the television debate, whether for the president or for the vice-president.”

Meanwhile, Douglas told journalists in Lagos Wednesday night that a lack of coordination among the debate organisers was the major hindrance to the president's participation.  

He said so far, no fewer than four groups had invited Jonathan to participate in their debates , a situation he said was almost impossible considering the tight schedule of the president.

Debate is not a must.  

Debate is not a must.  
[quote][/quote]

tell them

lakeside4love:

Only an insane person wuld vote 4 pdp.

u must b close 2 a scalawag

and if i may ask, what is the importance of this so-called debate to humanity and to our nation nigeria, dat there won't allow somebody to receive a fresh air in nigeria, are this so-call anit jonathan want from our president, please let them go and debate their problem out and leave nigeria alone, dat is a childish behaviour.

What a Lame Excuse, OK PDP organize yours and we will all attend, Bull S h ee e et, as if the Debate will take 6 hours, VP is Busy, Presido is busy, (drinking Pepper soup with the imported ashewos (thats all they do night after night)

what they are saying is like the other parties saying since its a PDP led Government that is organising voters registration, so they will not take part too

What a way to to go, a day to the event, These people go school so or they just simply have no conscience,,,,,,,, if na Wedding all of them go attend and we go see them on top Bisi Olatilo,

Simple 2 to 3 hour Debate, kai, GEJ u fall for awa hand oooo

Even though i might not even watch the debate, but why, this is very disappointing. He's so busy campaigning. Those he have 50states to cover. Even those with 50states did numerous debates in the U.S. He's not satisfied with the audience expected, how does He cope with the crowd in His campaigns. All his excuses are so shallow and insensitive to the desire of so many of the people, its supposed to be a democracy?

Hahahahahahahahahahaha, PDP neva fails to assume mii, dey isnt no bigga strategy than showin up for dis debate, dis shud he easier than defendin ur phd dissertation GEJ.

@ all pro GEJ, u guyz r ACTIN like foooooooooooooooooooools, someone even went to compare Obama backin out from a debate to Gej doin tha same thing, in tha US tinx work out dey have a system in place but 9ja its tha vice versa besides see tha excuses he gave,looooooool, thx to tha guy dt analyze all tha reasons earlier. Its quiet obvious GEJ is more interested in tha soooo called nuisances in tha country than tha masses, so i wonder y he shud be givin a chance in tha first place, massive mscccccheeeewwww tha all tha losers in dis forum and @NL Administrators u kno dt wasnt an insult ryt, abeg no suspend mii

I think PDP manifesto was based in rigging the days of voting PDP is  over, we want people that would server Nigeria not people that don't care about the electorate, I think GEJ has make me to pass vote of not confident on his administration, Imagine this debate will be another way to answer public question and hear the cry of Nigerians, I think GEJ is getting to the point of rejection, come April even IF PDD win[s][/s] the election people will not take him serious and that is even more dangerous for Nigeria as a nation.

PapaBrowne:

Lets wait till the day of the debate! I still believe they will show up!

As much as possible, I try to be objective! Jonathan would have no reasonable excuse to avoid a debate that would be anchored by someone as professional as Jonathan Mann!! No silly excuse like tight campaign schedule would cut it on this one!! Thats flimsy!

However, nothing would make me blind enough to cast my vote for a known dictator/socialist/extremist who through a coup truncated Nigeria's democracy and oppressed and demoralised the true nigerian spirit of freedom and dexterity!!

I don't really understand either, is Jonathan trying to lose this election on purpose? Likewise I am going to wait for the day of the debate to see what happens.

I can see plans to rig in audience crowd didnt work so tha debate became a no no. JEGA is makin mii tink twice, dt guy mite be already compromised,