Nigeria’s Presidential Debates: Who Showed Up and Who Stayed Away? (1999–2015)

Nigeria’s presidential debates have often been marked by the absence of major contenders, particularly candidates of the leading political parties. A review of the debates between 1999 and 2015 reveals a recurring pattern of high-profile candidates declining to participate.

Here is a breakdown of the major debates and the candidates who attended or stayed away.

1999 — Obasanjo Absent, Falae Debates Alone

Olusegun Obasanjo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) declined to participate in the presidential debate, leaving Olu Falae of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to appear alone.

2003 — Obasanjo Faces the Debate Alone

President Olusegun Obasanjo was the only major presidential candidate who appeared at the debate moderated by John Momoh, following the absence of his major challenger, Muhammadu Buhari of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

2007 — Yar’Adua Stays Away

The PDP presidential candidate, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, did not attend the presidential debate, leaving Muhammadu Buhari of the ANPP and Professor Pat Utomi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) among the candidates who participated.

2011 — Jonathan and Opposition Candidates Miss Separate Debates

President Goodluck Jonathan did not attend the NN24 presidential debate moderated by Kadaria Ahmed on March 18, 2011.

Muhammadu Buhari of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Nuhu Ribadu of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Ibrahim Shekarau of the ANPP participated.

Following Jonathan’s absence, the three opposition candidates boycotted the subsequent Nigerian Election Debate Group/Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (NEDG/BON) debate scheduled for March 29, leaving Jonathan as the sole participant.

2015 — Jonathan Attends, Buhari Stays Away

President Goodluck Jonathan participated in the 2015 presidential debate, but Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate and his major challenger, was absent.

The recurring absence of leading presidential candidates from televised debates has continued to raise questions about political accountability, public engagement and voters’ opportunities to assess candidates’ policies and leadership positions before elections.

Historical accounts: TheCable and BusinessDay.