The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has explained why he did not attend the Arise Television town hall meeting.
WITHIN NIGERIA had reported that while Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Kola Abiola, attended the debate Atiku was represented by his running mate and Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.
Atiku said the town hall meeting clashed with another scheduled engagement he had planned with stakeholders in the United States of America (U.S.A).
Spokesman of PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Charles Aniagwu, stated this yesterday while featuring on Arise Television “News Day”.
Aniagwu said the former vice president would not avoid any opportunity to explain his plans for the country.
He said: “Our party was also communicated to, like other parties, and you do know that our candidate has never shied away from interfacing with Nigerians. This is why we are the only party at the moment that has been very busy with campaigns across the length and breadth of this country.
“You will also recall that he (Atiku) has held several interfaces through different for a, like the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), which the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate refused to attend.
“We were also in Kaduna for Arewa; Enugu for the Southeast; and Ibadan for the Southwest; and many other interfaces, including the youths.
“So Atiku will never shy away from such engagements because he is very clear on what he wants to do in line with his ‘Covenant With Nigerians’.
“But in the case of this particular town hall meeting, you will recall that our presidential candidate traveled to the United States to have an engagement with stakeholders as it affects our desire to start off work, by the grace of God, when elected from day one.”