Four Katsina gubernatorial candidates were absent during a debate programme organised by the Katsina debate group.
Those absent are the candidates of All Progressives Congress (APC); Aminu Masari, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Sen Yakubu Lado, National Rescue Movement (NRM); Abubakar Jikamshi and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) Bello Nalado.
The National Conscience Party (NCP)’s candidate; Abdulmumin Sani and Accord Party’s Shehu Suleiman were those present in persons.
However, it took the intervention of the moderator, Isyaku Abdullahi to allow the Deputy Governor candidate of the PDP Salisu Majigiri to stand in for Sen Lado at the debate.
No reason was given for their absence but organisers insisted that all were notified and served with appropriate invitation letters and acknowledgments received.
Speaking on the rationale for the engagement, Abdullahi said it was not meant to cause disaffection amongst people but a platform to showcase what each candidate can bring to the table for the advancement of the state.