2023: Why I Snub Presidential Debates – Tinubu

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) presidential candidate, claims that those who have invited him to debates are just doing so because they can profit from his marketability.

Not quite a day had passed when the former governor of Lagos State made this statement at Chatham House in London, where three other potential presidential contenders had also attended a town hall gathering.

When asked by the audience why he avoided debates, Tinubu responded: “I see myself as a marketable individual. You want to use me to make money and I’m saying no.”

In response to questions about his age, education, and employment history, he stated, “I was born on March 29, 1952, according to the family record. I don’t believe that at the time I made the decision to enter politics or even to run for president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I’ve had a very good record in life. My record is consistent in the university they questioned. They’ve now confessed that they wasted their money and their time. The record is there, and the transcript is there showing March 1952.

“I’m not claiming another father, I’m Tinubu and Tinubu proper. If they want a DNA, they could as well request for one.

“One of them was even accused of not being a Nigerian citizen, I didn’t touch that area.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Tinubu Speaks On 2023 Polls At Chatham House

“Equally, it remains the same. Chicago State University where I graduated has attested to that. Now, I can announce that I have received my original replacement degree certificate from them.

“Deloitte trained me as an accountant. Mobile Oil has attested to my outstanding record. I got to the pinnacle of my career in the private sector. Who among them can brag about that?

“Yes, you want to wrestle with the pig, you’ve got to live with the dirt. That’s what I’m doing. I got into politics knowing fully well that it is muddy water. Smog will come, and you will have to live with the dirt and make sure you are upright to finish the job.”

Recall Tinubu, through his presidential campaign council, on Saturday, said he wouldn’t be participating in any debates held by the TV network, which he said was biased against him. He also urged his backers and representatives to boycott Arise TV.

The APC candidate left Nigeria the day before the event, just as his media staff had announced that he was traveling to London for an engagement at Chatham House.

At the third series of the Arise TV Town Hall Meeting, however, the trio of Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso took turns speaking on the general subjects of education, healthcare, poverty, and human capital while also answering questions from the panelists, who included senior journalists and development experts.

They all agreed last night that the problems of poverty reduction, healthcare, educational improvement, and human capital development demand more serious consideration. They acknowledged that in order for the government to operate at its best, the growing budget deficit must be addressed, and that in order to lift Nigerians out of poverty, adequate security and education are needed.