Okorie faults presidential debate rules

THE United Peoples Party (UPP) presidential candidate, Chekwas Okorie, has faulted the rules for the presidential debate being organized by the Nigerian Elections Debate Group (NEDG), which is slated for February 8, describing it rather as “joint appearances.”

   In a letter to the NEDG director-general by his campaign organisation’s director-general, Dr. Ugorji. O. Ugorji, which was made available to The Guardian yesterday, the group referred to these activities as presented so far as “misnomer.” 

   According to the statement, “the rules allow for no criticism of any party’s reported agenda or record or lack of record. No exchange or interaction between the candidates is allowed, and the candidates are not allowed to ask each other any questions. 

   “Even to comment on a proposal offered by an opposing candidate or to mention an opposing party’s name is prohibited. In essence, candidates’ claims and assertions go unchallenged by opposing candidates.”