Akeredolu on absence at debate: I was tucked in riverine communities

Rotimi Akeredolu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has explained his absence from the governorship debate organised by Channels Television.

The organisers had expressed reservation over his decision to boycott the event.

“As you can see the stage is set, and there are four podiums here. Four of them were invited, but three decided to show up to tell the people what they have to offer, that’s how much they value the voters,” Seun Okinbaloye, the Channels TV correspondent who moderated the programme, had said.

“The fourth candidate, who is of the All progressives Congress (APC), and a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), will not show up tonight, we pray he changes his mind before the end of the two hours programme, but we will not wait for Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu.”

But in a letter signed by Kunle Adebayo, communications secretary of his campaign organisation, Akeredolu said the programme held at a period when he was “tucked in riverine communities” that had no access to electricity to watch television.

“Akeredolu Campaign Platform (ACP) regrets its inability to attend today’s governorship debate organised by Channels Television,” the letter read.

“It is unfortunate that the debate is coming at a time when our grassroots rallies are at their peaks.

“As we speak, Akeredolu is tucked in the deep riverine communities of Ilaje Local Government, most of which have no access to electricity to watch television.

“In view of the demands of this hectic campaign schedule, we therefore regret our inability to honour Channels TV’s call for debate with the remaining time. “

Olusola Oke of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Jimoh Ibrahim, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Olu Agunloye, Social Democratic Party (SDP), were the three candidates that were at the two-hour programme.

They spoke on their manifestos, and responded to  questions.