The Nigeria Elections Debate Group (NEDG) has reacted to the failure by the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo and his Peoples Democratic Party’s counterpart, Asue Ighodalo to show up at a governorship debate slated for today, September 15, 2024, saying it is “a demonstration of lack of accountability.”
NERG, in conjunction with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State council and the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) had scheduled a debate for governorship candidates of political parties ahead of the September 21 election.
It was an avenue for political parties’ candidates to tell the whole world and Edo people what they have in store for them but unfortunately alone candidates of the Labour Party, Barr. Olumide Akpata, People’s Redemption Party, Patience Ndidi and Action Democratic Congress, Derek Izedonwmen showed up at the debate at NUJ Press Centre, Benin City.
In his opening remarks, representative of the NERG, Eddie Emessiri, said that the both candidates who failed to show up at the debate displayed to Edo people that they have no regard for them, urging Edo people “not to forget this act of disregard.”
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Emessiri, who said Edo people deserve leaders who respect them, said those “who are willing to stand before them and be judged on their ideas and policies, noted that the people do not need “leaders who believe they can rig their way to power or coast through without being accountable.”
The NERG representative who stated “we cannot stand by and allow this culture of impunity to thrive, noted that “the fact that these candidates are willing to avoid scrutiny speaks volumes about their disregard for the democratic process and the importance of your vote.”
He added: “They believe that election outcomes are pre-determined by other means, not by the will of the people, and that is both dangerous and shameful.
“The electorate deserves better. We, the people, deserve leaders who are willing to engage, to explain, and to answer tough questions-not to hide behind their handlers and spin doctors.
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“This debate, and any debate, is not just a formality-it is a cornerstone of democracy. It is an opportunity for you, the people, to evaluate the candidates, to understand their policies, and to make informed choices. But when candidates refuse to participate, they rob you of that opportunity, and in doing so, they undermine the very foundation of democracy.
“So, to those who have chosen to stay away from this debate, I say this: This Edo off season election will make or mar our drive to entrench democratic ideals in Nigeria. You have disrespected the people of Edo State. You have demonstrated a lack of accountability, and in doing so, you have shown that you are not ready to lead.
“We will not forget this act of disregard. And I urge the people of Edo State not to forget it either, because democracy thrives when the electorate is informed, engaged, and unafraid to demand better from those who seek to lead.”
Emedsiri also blamed media handlers of these candidates whom he said “rather than preparing their candidates to stand before the people, to articulate their policies, to demonstrate leadership and communicate effectively, these professionals advise them to avoid debates altogether. Are they truly trained journalists and broadcasters?”
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