A concerned citizen, Zams Abasiryu, has charged the Independent National Election (INEC) to mandate presidential candidates to engage in electoral debates ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Abasiryu made the charge in a petition submitted online via Change.org during the week entitled “INEC should mandate presidential candidates to engage in debate“.
He noted that as the presidential campaigns kicks off, it is important for the electorate to make informed decisions about who will be the next president of Nigeria, as opposed to being carried away by shiny billboards and newspaper headlines.
He enjoined all concerned persons to sign the petition and called on INEC to collaborate with media houses and mandate presidential candidates to engage in presidential debates.

Explaining the reason behind the petition, Abasiryu said: “The presidential campaigns have kicked off.
“It is important for the electorate to make informed decisions about who will be the next president of Nigeria, as opposed to being carried away by shiny billboards and newspaper headlines.
“The 2023 general elections are crucial to every Nigerian at this point in time, in order to position themselves to make a much needed change that would rescue our country from becoming a failed state.
“However, almost all the political parties have conducted their primaries and filed their candidates, the question is who vetted these candidates and what do they have to offer?
“There is no disputing the importance of giving voters the opportunity to hear candidates discuss and debate key issues prior to elections.
“Hence, I am calling on INEC to collaborate with media houses and conduct at least 3 presidential debates between which include all the flag bearers of the political parties.
“This would go a long way in enlightening and assisting the electorate to make informed decisions when choosing the next president who will determine our future for the next 4 years.”
He urged interested persons to sign the petition using this link. Read more.
—


