Some constitutional lawyers have advised the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari to participate in the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, BON, organised election debate.

It would be recalled that the APC in a statement on Thursday, signed by the Director of Media and Publicity of the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mr. Garba Shehu, in Abuja, said that its candidates would stay away from the event because of the "unhidden bias" of the organisers of the programme against the corporate political interest of the party (APC).

However, a lawyer, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo, while speaking on Friday said, "There is nothing unconstitutional in presidential debates. Everybody has a freedom of speech, but the fact remains that the people need to know who their prospective or potential president is, by way of intellectual engagement.

"They can nominate their representatives to go on board, but they should not deprive Nigerians of their views on the crucial issues that will be informative to the people. I think it is in their interest for their candidate to participate."

He added that it is important that every candidate should face Nigerians.

"Nigerians want to know who their candidates are; they have been talking generally without being specific on issues. They should be able to expand their theory, conception, views, mission and vision.‎

"This is the opportunity to narrow down to specifics so that people can assess them. As at today, there are still a large number of voters that are undecided, whether they should vote for A or B," Oyetibo stated.

Also, another lawyer, Mr. Fred Agbaje said if Buhari boycotts the debate, it would only go on to show that he has no plans and solutions to the problems of the country.

Agbaje said, "I think he should have participated in that debate. Some of the questions might be embarrassing and he could tell them he would not answer them.

"He has to participate; majority of Nigerians will see it as if he is running away from it. It (boycotting) will further affect his political career because Nigerians will see it as if he does not have solutions to Nigeria's problem, or that he is arrogant."

Professor Itse Sagay, another lawyer, however, said Buhari has no legal obligation to appear for the debate, adding that President Jonathan did not appear for a similar debate in 2011 and the other candidates had the debate without him.

"Because of the lack of independence and objectivity, and the fact that they have their agenda, there is no reason why Buhari should subject himself to that sort of inquisition, because that is what it is going to be; it is going to be very unfair," Sagay said.

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