A look at Nigerians’ reactions to the botched presidential debate

Saturday January 19th, was supposed to be a day when all the five main candidates aspiring to become Nigeria’s next President, gather at a place for a Presidential Debate that would help them endear themselves to the electorates.

As expected, the event was very much anticipated by many of the electorates. But as it turned out, the people were left disappointed for the most part.

The incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari, was nowhere to be seen at the venue of the all-important debate.

Sources close to him claimed that he was busy commissioning projects and as such, had no time to engage in presidential debates. And as far as endearing himself to the electorates is concerned, his campaign spokesman, Mr Festus Keyamo, stated that he had undertaken other ways to doing just that.

The main opposition candidates wasn’t having any of it

Nigeria’s former Vice President and flag bearer of the main opposition party, Mr Atiku Abubakar, is the one whose Saturday Twitter post actually threw many Nigerians into frenzy on Social Media.

Earlier on, Mr Atiku decided to walk away from the debate when he noticed that President Muhammadu Buhari was absent. He also told reporters that he was leaving because President Buhari was not on ground to defend himself.

Atiku’s Twitter Statement

Mr Abubakar later sent out a series of Tweets on his official Twitter handle, talking about how the debate is “a presidential debate and not a candidacy debate.”

In his words:

We came here for a Presidential debate, not a candidacy debate, and I, Atiku Abubakar cannot challenge or question an administration where the man at the helm of the affairs of the nation is not present to defend himself or his policies. #2019Debate pic.twitter.com/crperoO3tT

— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) January 19, 2019

He apologised to the other candidates —  Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, Mr Fela Durotoye, and Mr Kkingsley Moghalu — for leaving, and said that the real blame should be on President Muhammadu Buhari for “slighting” the rest of the candidates.

As a leader and former vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, let me first apologise to all Nigerians, my fellow candidates and the moderator for the APC Presidential Candidate’s absence in this debate. His non-appearance is a slight on ALL of us and our democracy.

— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) January 19, 2019

He also challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to a fresh debate, telling him to choose anytime and venue that is convenient for him.

I however challenge President Buhari to choose a date and time for a debate where he will be present and I will be there, hopefully with the other candidates as well.

Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Atiku Abubakar

— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) January 19, 2019

Nigerians said a lot in reaction

Nigerians’ reactions to this development varied. Some supported Mr Atiku Abubakar for opting to not participate in the debate. After all, President Buhari is his main opposition, they argued. Therefore, in his absence, who would he be debating?

I agree with @atiku. It is a presidential debate, not a candidacy debate. Without @MBuhari there, the whole thing is a charade. With respect, none of @obyezeks, @feladurotoye or @MoghaluKingsley is a force to reckon with in this election and they know it. #PresidentialDebate2019

— AbujaLawyer (@KelechiOparaku) January 19, 2019

But not everyone is in support of Mr Atiku’s decision to not debate in the absence of Mr President.

atiku didn't show up for the debate because buhari didn't show up.
Is atiku running for presidency because buhari is running?
Is atiku indirectly telling Nigerians he is following buhari's footsteps?#Presidentialdebate2019 #aNigeriaWithoutRecycledIllitrates

— SAVE_NIGERIA (@SAVENIGERIA10) January 21, 2019

Some called “bull crap” on President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to not show up all in the name of being busy.

How can @MBuhari claim tight schedule when the date for last night's #PresidentialDebate2019 was set over 2 months ago? No Mr. President @MBuhari, you chickened out just as we suspected. U had both no to say. @atiku was right not to have debated with the others. @nesgnigeria

— MR. HR (@Obeweh) January 20, 2019

https://twitter.com/OtunbaGodOfWar/status/1087143284684791809

Some others were simply wearied by the entire situation. They feel sorry for Nigeria, actually.

https://twitter.com/Ade_samm/status/1087255615142088704

As always, some Nigerians found the fun in the rather messy drama.

https://twitter.com/TheMbuhari/status/1086709896400261122

https://twitter.com/TheMbuhari/status/1086706278255202304

Meanwhile, some people simply do not have the time or the patience for any arguments about the 2019 presidential debate.

Met my colleagues arguing about the #Presidentialdebate2019 this morning. I can't waste my time Abeg. The winner didn't attend, why stress #4Plus4

— Whaltz 🇳🇬 💙 (@whaltz1) January 21, 2019

In the meantime, Nigeria’s search for a future “CEO” remains uncertain

As it stands at the moment, the country does not seem to have a candidate who is qualified to lead. With many accusations, on the part of President Muhammadu Buhari for his supposed ineptitude, and a corruption scandal hanging on Mr Atiku’s head, it is hard to decide which one of them is the better option.

Meanwhile, the other three candidates who participated in the debate either lack the right political exposure or the right experience to govern a country as unique as Nigeria.

https://twitter.com/AbsolutelyJosh/status/1086699603141976064