Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, has defended his absence at presidential debates.
Tinubu while speaking at Chatham House in London on Monday, barely 24 hours after he failed to attend a town hall meeting attended by three other presidential candidates said those that invite him to debates intend to make money off him because he’s popular.
Responding to a question on why he snubs debates, Tinubu said, “I see myself as a marketable individual. You want to use me to make money and I’m saying no.”
Speaking on controversies surrounding his age, school, and time in the private sector, the APC candidate said, “At the time of birth, I was dated March 29, 1952, in the family record. Then, I don’t think I had decided to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not even that I would go into politics.
“I’ve had a very good record in life. My record is consistent in the university they questioned. They’ve now confessed that they wasted their money and their time. The record is there, and the transcript is there showing March 1952.
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“I’m not claiming another father, I’m Tinubu and Tinubu proper. If they want a DNA, they could as well request for one.
“One of them was even accused of not being a Nigerian citizen, I didn’t touch that area.
“Equally, it remains the same. Chicago State University where I graduated has attested to that. Now, I can announce that I have received my original replacement degree certificate from them.
“Deloitte trained me as an accountant. Mobile Oil has attested to my outstanding record. I got to the pinnacle of my career in the private sector. Who among them can brag about that?
“Yes, you want to wrestle with the pig, you’ve got to live with the dirt. That’s what I’m doing. I got into politics knowing fully well that it is muddy water. Smog will come, and you will have to live with the dirt and make sure you are upright to finish the job.”
Source: Punch