The flag bearers of the party dont debate for 3 reason. It doesn't serve their ambition. There were vice presidential debates in 2018. The Presidential Candiates for APC and PDP skipped it. In other places in the world ducking debates is cowardly especially if you're called out. Its like a champion boxer avoiding a fight with high ranking contenders.

1. A debate mainly changes an undecided voters minds. Zealots and low information voters don't care to look into their candiate or other candidates positions on policy issues. The reality is they don't lose much by ducking debates. Your base will vote at high margin if they're party loyalist.

2. Debating can expose a Candiate bad ideas or lack of rhetorical skills. Political debates aren't purely about policies but about throwing jabs at opponents and playing bases. Think Lock her up chant by Trump for example. It was funny comment that he had no intention of carrying out. In Nigerian content the rhetorical jabs osinbanjo and Obi made about corruption.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMntNTeys1I

3. Debates force candidates to go on record a out their positions. Silence helps candiates stay ambiguous about their positions. A political manifesto or long form interview won't don't give complete details about candidates. It also doesn't give opportunity for their opponents to strike back in real time. Interviewers aren't there to argue they just push conversations by asking follow up questions.

honestly The only way to get a these guys to debate eachother would be for APC or PDP to call them out. Other than that it just won't happen. lol both sides know their voters couldn't care less though. Its best to hold rallies and have their loyalist give them free press. Its not like there's too many polling firms anyway.

we should have debates, people should know the intelligence level of their candidate...

Vote wisely!

Maazieze:
we should have debates, people should know the intelligence level of their candidate...

Vote wisely!

There are debates but the major parties don't show up. They know their supporters don't care and they'd win regardless. The only scenarios I see the major Candiates debating is if they're challenged by eachother or there's polling showing minor party is going to win. Its understandable why they don't risk of debates with little reward. If both APC or PDP were to lose this cycle they'd probably participate in debates the next.