Why Buhari should participate in the presidential debate... Labour Party

The Labour Party (LP) on Saturday gave reasons why the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, Gen Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) should participate in the planned debate for candidates in the upcoming Feb 14 elections.
The Party said that the APC Candidate should take part in the debate so as not to cast doubts on his ability to administer the nation.
It should be recalled that Buhari had said he would not participate in the scheduled debates being organized by the Nigeria Election Debate Group (NEDG) for fourteen presidential candidates and their running mates.

The APC candidate had alleged bias because according to him, the organisers of the debate were federal government Agencies and Parastatals.
The NEDG in reaction to this, said it remained an independent group with sole intention of creating a level playing opportunity for Nigerians to listen to all the candidates and decide for themselves.
In a statement issued in Lagos by its National Secretary Barr Kayode Ajulo, the LP pointed out that the debate would help put issues in the proper perspective, devoid of propaganda.
"The excuse given by the APC candidate that the organisers were federal government parastatals agencies is not tenable because INEC too by Law is a federal government agency.
"It then follows that if Buhari should boycott the debate then he ought to also boycott the election since it is being organised by a federal agency (INEC).
"The expectations of Nigerians and the International community will be dashed if Buhari should stay away from the debate" the party said.
According to the party, the major contenders in the election should take advantage of the debate platform to clear all doubts about issues raised against them by their opposition.
"There are so many issues and controversies that the major contenders in the election should address. Nigerians are eager to hear them answer questions on these issues first hand.
Opportunity has been provided for all the candidates and Nigerians need to see and check the physical and mental stamina, endurance, alertness and hear from their would-be President without any embellishment and make believe.
Nigerian are eager to see Gen. Buhari as he is taking issues on his certificate issues, his age and general wellbeing.
"It will be detrimental to any candidate who chooses to stay away from the debate as that will simply imply that the candidate is either not capable to rule or has skeletons in his or her cupboard to hide" it further said.