Dumebi Kachikwu, African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, says he is not afraid to participate in a public debate with presidential candidates of other political parties.

Mr Kachikwu said this on Sunday in Abuja at the ADC presidential town hall themed ‘State of the Nation’.

“Today’s town hall is one in a series of town halls I have planned across the country before we go to the polls next year. Interactive sessions like this afford me an opportunity to present my argument for a Dumebi Kachikwu presidency,” stated the ADC presidential standard-bearer. “I get to take questions from you on issues affecting us all and, most important, get feedback on what we can collectively do to rescue our nation.”

He added, “So I look forward to many of such meetings with (the) electorate, and I’m not afraid to participate in a debate with other contenders.”

Mr Kachikwu stated that his decision to contest for the highest office in the land was not a decision he made on the spur but one defined by the very essence of his life.

According to him, It is the only natural progression for someone who has devoted his entire adult life to designing and proposing solutions for the betterment of Nigeria to those who have managed our common welfare.

“I now realise that I must be in the driver’s seat to make the changes needed in Aso Villa. I now understand that merely proposing and complaining are not enough,” he explained. “It is time to sit on this table; It is a table of inequity, injustice, inequity and intolerance but when you sit at the head of the table you get to decide what the menu is going to be.

He urged Nigerians to join him in designing a new menu for Nigeria and to constitute a new nation that was inclusive for all and guaranteed equal rights and expressions, irrespective of tribe, tongue and religion.

Mr Kachikwu said part of his vision for Nigeria was to do away with all colonial relics of division, mistrust and hatred. He said he would resist Nigeria and rescue it from all those who made religion and tribe their mantra.

“We will zone out all proponents of zoning and usher in a Nigeria that promotes merit, character and know-how above primordial sentiments,” he added. “Every component part of Nigeria is blessed with those who have the talents and abilities to pilot the affairs of Nigeria, and we must create the enabling environment for them to emerge in government and governance. Nigeria will no longer be associated with mediocrity as we will invest in our citizens, our greatest asset.”

(NAN)