Election debates in Nigeria and our sheer negligence

Vice-presidential debate in Abuja, Nigeria (2019) (Source: Google Images) 

Fellow Nigerians,

Election debates are not just an intellectual contest between contenders; They also serve as a platform to win the hearts of the electorates whose votes are desperately needed.

If presidential candidates continue to walk out of debates without any backlash, and you spend hours writing long epistles to defend their actions, it reveals partly, how lowly you think of yourself and your nation.

Such candidates didn't only disrespected other contenders present, by walking out or refusing to attend the debate, they disrespected YOU TOO, the electorates who should be the ultimate deciders of their political fate. They have continued to sustain such effrontery because they know their actions will have no consequences! And this is very sad.

If our society must evolve, the so-called educated ones amongst us need to start demanding that these political contenders, must present themselves for review at debates. The importance of these debates cannot be overemphasised. It reveals a summary of the plans each of them has for the next 4 years.

Isn't it preposterous that you who claimed that our leaders are not working and do not care about us is the same person supporting an act which indirectly disrespects you? If you don't love yourself, you cant blame someone else for maltreating you. You handed over the power to such a person to do so.

In summary, in a bid to oust PMB at all cost, don't be hesitant to admit that Atiku messed up by not going on with the debate. There is absolutely no explanation that is logical enough to support his rash decision last night.

It is one thing for you to admit that he made a wrong move even if he remains your candidate. It is another thing for you to not see any error whatsoever in what he did. Knowing the difference doesn't require rocket science.

I submit.

~ Macaulay Babajide Milton