LG poll: PDP, APC candidates shun debate in Kaduna

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Rayyanu Hussaini, and his counterpart from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Nasiru Liti (Mai Chanji),  have shunned a debate organized for all candidates ahead of the 19 October Local Government Chairmen elections in Kaduna State.

The candidates from these two major political parties did not attend the debate organized by the Kaduna South Local Government Concerned Citizens group, which included stakeholders in the local government area on Wednesday despite notifying them about the debate.

Addressing the press shortly after the debate, which was attended by Major Yahaya Shinko (Rtd) of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP),  group convener Yusuf Pama, stated that the debate was designed for candidates vying for the chairmanship position for Kaduna South LGA  to present their programs and agendas to the public.

He emphasized the importance of allowing the people they intend to represent to know them personally before Election Day, enabling informed choices.

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He cautioned electorates against accepting gifts from such politicians, noting that those who do so believe this will secure their votes.

“Those that didn’t come are simply telling us that they are not for the people. If they want the people to vote for them and did not come to explain what they plan to do, it means they are not for the people,” he said.

In his remarks, Shinko noted that only the PRP attended the debate because he believes the stakeholders present are the ones who will vote for the candidate of their choice.

He remarked that the absence of other candidates at the debate, despite the opportunity provided, indicates they are no longer interested in contesting in the forthcoming elections.

It was gathered that others political parties too were contacted but only PRP candidate attended while the rest shunned the debate.