Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Delta State, has opted out of an Arise TV debate slated for Wednesday evening in Warri, the commercial city of the state.
The debate, being organised by Arise News, the parent company of Arise Television, is scheduled to hold by 6pm today, Wednesday.
However, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sunny Areh, Omo-Agege said the decision to opt out was due to the non availability of his main opponent and candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Sheriff Oborevwori.
“In the evening of Tuesday, March 14, 2023, the Delta APC Campaign Organisation received a letter from Arise News, operators of Arise Television, inviting the leading contender for the March 18 governorship election in Delta State and APC’s flagbearer, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, to a debate involving the major candidates. The said debate is scheduled to hold today, Wednesday, March 15 at 6pm,” the statement said.
“Although the invitation came rather late and we had no prior knowledge of the event while having other engagements already lined up, Senator Omo-Agege was prepared to review his appointments and participate in the debate.
“However, his readiness had always had a caveat: His main opponent and candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, should also be in attendance.
“Unfortunately, we have confirmed that Rt. Hon. Oborevwori has chickened out of the debate. Of course, this does not come as a surprise as the PDP flagbearer had repeatedly indicated that he will not participate in any debate, probably to conceal his inadequacies and avoid his hollow persona being unraveled by the discerning electorate.”
According to the APC candidate, he is not inclined to participate in the debate when Rt. Hon. Oborevwori is not there.
He, however, assured that should Oborevwori accept to attend the debate at a later date, he would also be available to participate.
“I as the PDP stated in their letter declining the offer from Arise News that should the organization reschedule it to a new date, their candidate may consider participating, Senator Omo-Agege will promptly review his decision,” the statement added.
“If only that was truly the case. But we that Rt. Hon. Oborevwori will never subject himself to any situation where he will face a barrage of questions from the media without the aid and guidance of his media aides.
“If the unthinkable happens and the Speaker expresses willingness to be part of the debate, Senator Omo-Agege will adjust his schedule and participate in the debate.
“We believe that a debate involving all the candidates is a veritable platform for the public to further enrich their assessment of each candidate’s programmes. Such exercise can only be meaningful and wholesome if the major candidates, especially the flagbearer of the ruling party in the State is willing to participate.”