Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Election Commission, stated on Thursday, October 27, 2022 that the commission does not have the authority to compel any contender to participate in a debate.
Speaking at the media executives’ quarterly consultative meeting in Abuja, Professor Yakubu stated that discussion, like voting, is a democratic prerogative. We are aware that debates aim to increase public knowledge.
I’m not convinced we can force someone to attend the debate, he said. You can’t carry out that. In a democracy, you cannot force anyone to do anything, not even in the most developed nations. Debate is a democratic right, just like voting. We are aware that debates aim to increase public knowledge.
“However, there is an unspoken consequence for candidates not participating. I also understand that some candidates prefer not to attend in order to avoid making mistakes that would drive voters from them.
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“We are, however, happy with the job the election debate group is doing. The effort of the media in this aspect should be supported, but they should also be non-partisan.
“Many political parties have come to complain to us that they are not invited to debate. In 2019, we have over 70 presidential candidates and now we have 18,” the statement added.
