#2019DEBATE: ‘Absence of Atiku, Buhari a blow on electorate’, Nigerians react

The absence of the candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), President Muhammadu Buhari, and that of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, at the Presidential Debate on Saturday, has drawn different reactions from Nigerians.

Many of them took to social media to react and express how they felt over the conspicuous absence of the two major political parties for the February 16, presidential election.

Atiku had reportedly got to the venue of the event but withdrew after it was obvious Buhari would not attend.

According to a Nigerian who expressed his view on the matter on Twitter, “the absence of Atiku and Buhari is a blow on the electorates and also democracy.

Below are reactions from Nigerians on Twitter over the duos absence:

@Thrill_papy: “If Nigerians can’t see what’s going on tonight and still vote for Buhari or atiku in the upcoming election..then we have a huge problem.”

@OgbeniDipo: “Ezekwesili – present

Durotoye – present

Atiku – absent

Buhari – absent

Mogalu – present

Disgraceful and disrespectful for Buhari and Atiku to have ignored this debate.”

@MrStanleyNwabia: “@atiku turned up, he left due to Buhari’s absence. Buhari did not turn up at all, no official reason. To add insult upon injury, Buhari campaign Ads were now a dominant feature all through the programme. But it is Atiku you are angry with? Are you mad?”

@iam_krisjoe: “The absence of Atiku and Buhari is a blow on the electorates & also democracy. Additionally, it solidifies my earlier stance that electorates never decides who the cap fits. Until when the table turns, lets mind our individual businesses.”

@Ms_Dynma: “Nigerians must push for another debate for only Atiku and Buhari.”

@Chubalus16: “The contest is between Atiku and Buhari and Atiku has stated clearly his readiness to debate Buhari.”

@Shindara2: “I just wish Nigerians could see that both Buhari and Atiku have nothing to offer”

@Iykekenton: “Buhari is campaigning on the strength of his achievements and track record of integrity. Atiku, Go and tell Nigerians what you have achieved in your public life other than cornering the nation’s wealth to yourself, family and cronies.”

@K_Basharr: “PDP people are siding Atiku, APC people are siding Buhari. How dem go do? Mans go sha chop!”

READ ALSO: #2019Debate: ‘You can’t shave a man’s head in his absence’, Atiku cites Buhari’s absence for own boycott

@HuncleCj: “It would have been worth it if these three: Kingsley Moghalu, Oby Ezekwesili and Fela Durotoye had formed that much anticipated 3rd force coalition with Kingsley Moghalu as the presidential candidate. As for APC [Buhari] and PDP [Atiku] hmmm Nigerians are watching.”

@akglitters: “Presidential Debate, where is BUHARI and ATIKU?? Them no get our time, sad enough they got the numbers. Truth be told election is a game of numbers…way forward Nigerians??”

@Dozieben2: “Buhari has been the president for the past 3.5yrs, he should come and debate. Your problem is Atiku backing down, fair enough. He has said why he won’t debate. Let Buhari come and show us what he has done in the last 3yrs 7months. Atiku is not afraid to debate.”

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